The papers in this edited volume on the directions in mass communication research deal with two broad questions: What is the current state of knowledge with respect to the area in question? And what might be the most fruitful directions for future research? The nine articles include: (1) an attempt to structure the field of mass communication; (2) uses of mass communication by the individual; (3) mass communication and socialization; (4) functions of mass communication for the collectivity; (5) mass communication and the nation state; (6) mass communication and the political system; (7) professional personnel and organizational structure in the mass media; (8) the management of mass media; and (9) the implications of new information technology. (WCM)