Media Education and the Media Industries: bridging the gaps?

Abstract Recent changes in the media industries and in pre‐vocational education have presented significant opportunities and challenges for media educators. This article sketches the broader context of these developments, and considers their implications for media education in terms of both course provision and pedagogic practice in schools and further education. It considers some of the possibilities and limitations of past attempts to teach about the structure and functioning of the media industries, and to integrate critical study and practical production. The article concludes by identifying a number of issues for further research and investigation.