A Contribution to Theoretical Foundations of Critical Media and Communication Studies

The overall aim of this work is to contribute to the discussion of theoretical aspects of critical media and communication theory. A typology of critical media and communication studies is constructed. Example approaches that are based on the commodity hypothesis, the ideology hypothesis, the alternative media hypothesis, and the alternative reception hypothesis are discussed. It is argued that integrative bridging approaches can be found and that a disciplinary matrix can enhance the dialogue about commonalities and diff erences within critical communication studies. CHRISTIAN FUCHS Christian Fuchs is Associate Professor at the University of Salzburg; e-mail: [email protected].