Book Review: “The theory and practice of mass media functioning” [Teoria i praktyka funkcjonowania mediów], ed. Joanna Marszałek–Kawa, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2010, pp. 320

A widely held belief has it that mass media is the fourth power. A question arises, however, as to whether the media create information instead of simply providing it. The editor of the book under review indicates that this situation leads to a number of pathologies, such as sponsoring, lack of objectivity, manipulations etc. The media, especially those in the hands of private owners, are profi t-driven. Sensational journalism is aimed at attracting as wide audience as possible.