Integrating communication theory into media policy : An economic perspective

Economics dominates media policy analysis. Traditional issues such as diversity or First Amendment rights may not fit. Communication theory offers potential incorporations of society, psychology and meaning that may identify descriptive and normative gaps in the economic framework, as well as unorthodox preferences and market behaviour that nevertheless fir the dominant paradigm. Empirical evidence, theoretical translation and specification of ethical norms should help communication theorists contribute to economists' evaluations. An appendix discusses why the terms of debate may affect policy.