My understanding of these industries is informed by two fields of study: political economy of media and cultural studies. The former is more oriented toward organizational structures and broad social relations, while the latter often focuses on the text, the audience, and the rich affordances of both, especially when they interact. Both are interested in power, but political economy of media conceives of power in its material, hierarchical form, while cultural studies sees power as fluid and contingent and potentially immaterial.

DEFINE: Distinguishes political economy of media (material, hierarchical power) from cultural studies (fluid, contingent power).

Andrew deWaard, Derivative Media, loc. 29