"An inside look at the media since the fall of Mao Tse Tung, based largely on first-hand evidence the author collected on the spot. After an analysis of the role of communications in today's China, Howkins deals with the various media - broadcasting, film, publishing, telecommunications (''From Beacon Fires to Satellites") and advertising - a new development. Appendix A is "A Chronology - 1900-1980's"; other appendixes include "A Note on the Language," "Population," and "Names and Addresses of Selected Media Organizations." (Eleanor Blum, Frances G. Wilhoit: Mass media bibliography. 3rd ed. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1990 Nr. 198)