Research in media economics

I liked Picard's overview on the history and trends of research in media economics. I did some searching to look for similar big-picture reviews of the field (and related works). Here are two that caught my attention:

Media Economics: Research Paradigms, Issues, and Contributions to Mass Communication Theory.

Authors:

Albarran, Alan B.

Source:

Mass Communication & Society; Summer/Fall98, Vol. 1 Issue 3/4, p117, 13p

The field of media economics has mushroomed recently, highlighted by the introduction of the Journal of Media Economics, an expanding literature base, and wider interest among academicians. In this article, I examine the main research paradigms, issues facing the field, and contributions to the larger body of mass communication theory. I also argue that media economics has made at least 4 major contributions to the communication literature. It (a) provides a means to understand media as economic institutions; (b) helps further understanding of continual globalization of media industries; (c) provides a diverse alternative to mainstream mass media; and (d) offers an interdisciplinary focus to contemporary mass communications research.

A Content Analysis Guide for Media Economics Scholars.

Authors:

Fico, Frederick G.¹
Lacy, Stephen² slacy@msu.edu
Riffe, Daniel³

Source:

Journal of Media Economics; 2008, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p114-130, 17p

Abstract:

The study of demand for media products requires an understanding of audience members' preferences, which are shaped by their taste for content. Despite the central role of content in understanding some aspects of media economics, media economics scholars sometimes apply content analysis in ways that are inconsistent with the generally accepted practices of the method. This article deals with some basic concepts underlying the method of content analysis to familiarize media economics scholars with the method. The adoption of accepted content analysis practices will yield better data and, in the long-run, help advance the understanding of media economics.