This textbook outlines the interdisciplinary nature of media studies and brings together the theoretical and historical heritage associated with the study of communications. The authors show the importance of means of communication, various media carriers and aesthetic forms of media content in the development of social relations and present an extensive theoretical palette of approaches to studying the role of media in social systems. The textbook consists of two large parts. The first is devoted to the historical aspects of the development of media and societies; the second is a review of media theories, which are grouped into so-called theoretical groups. Each part is equipped with a list of checklists and tasks to test knowledge. The textbook is intended for students of higher educational institutions studying in the areas of “media communications”, “journalism”, “advertising and public relations”. In addition, it can be recommended for introduction to students in other areas of social sciences and humanities (sociology, political science, philosophy, etc.).