What is it like to work in the media? Are media jobs more 'creative' than those in other sectors? This book explores these issues in the creative industries, using a combination of original research and a synthesis of existing studies.

David Hesmondhalgh teaches in the Institute of Communications Studies at the University of Leeds, where he is Professor of Media and Music Industries, Director of Research, and Head of the Media Industries Research Centre (MIRC). His publications include The Cultural Industries (2nd edition, 2007).

Sarah Baker is Lecturer in Cultural Sociology at Griffith University, Australia. She has previously held research fellowships at The Open University and University of Leeds, UK, and the University of South Australia. She is the author of numerous refereed journal articles and book chapters.

1. Introduction: Can Creative Labour be Good Work? Part 1 2. A Model of Good and Bad Work 3. The Specificity of Creative Labour Part 2 4. The Management of Autonomy, Creativity and Commerce 5. Pay, Hours, Security, Involvement, Esteem and Freedom 6. Creative Careers, Self-Realisation and Sociality 7. Emotional and Affective Labour 8. Creative Products, Good and Bad 9. Audiences, Quality and the Meaning of Creative Work 10. The Politics of Good and Bad Work. Bibliography. Appendix: The Interviews