And There Was Television - Clear-eyed Media Studies

In this review of And There Was Television, the reader gets a thoughtful, academic look at television's cultural role rather than a sensational account of media harms. Professor Ellis Cashmore re-examines common claims that television causes violence, reduced attention spans and political indoctrination and argues much of that panic is overstated. The bottom line: this book is best for readers who want a measured critique of television as a commercial, consumer-focused institution and a clear explanation of why the medium's social power should be seen through the lens of consumption.

Key Features

• Historical perspective: The book traces arguments about television influence up to its 1994 publication, helping readers place debates in context.
• Critical thesis: Cashmore presents the central argument that television operates primarily as the apparatus of consumer society, reframing concerns about content into concerns about commercial effects.
• Balanced analysis: The author weighs theories and evidence against television instead of accepting popular panic, offering readers a cautious and evidence-oriented approach.
• Accessible prose: Although scholarly, the writing remains readable for non-specialists interested in media studies and cultural criticism.
• Theoretical relevance: The book connects questions about attention, literacy and violence to wider debates in social sciences and media studies for useful cross-disciplinary reading.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at students, instructors and general readers curious about the social role of television and its relationship to consumer culture; it suits anyone wanting an intellectual, rather than polemical, treatment of media effects. Its arguments are useful for courses in communication and media studies or for readers assembling a bibliography on television and society.

Those seeking a how-to guide for media literacy, a collection of primary data tables, or a contemporary update on streaming-era issues should look elsewhere, as the book reflects the concerns and media landscape up to 1994 rather than digital-era developments.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a clear, conceptually sharp argument about television's role within consumer society.
• Balances popular fears about television with reasoned evidence, making it a useful teaching text.
• Readable prose that bridges academic and general audiences in media studies.

Cons

• Published in 1994, it does not cover post-broadcast changes such as streaming and social media.

Specifications

Our Verdict

And There Was Television remains a valuable, concise critique for readers interested in how television functions as part of consumer society rather than as a simple cause of social ills. It offers strong conceptual payoff for students and instructors, and represents good value as a revival of an influential 1994 text, though readers should pair it with newer work when researching modern digital platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book focus on evidence or opinion?
The book weighs theories and available evidence critically, emphasizing a reasoned argument over alarmist claims.

Is this relevant for media studies students?
Yes; it is useful as a theoretical and historical text in communication and media studies curricula.

Will it cover streaming or social media?
No; the book reflects the media landscape up to 1994 and should be supplemented with contemporary sources for digital-era analysis.