BOOK REVIEW Ezekiel S. Asemah, Angela N. Nwammuo, Adline O.A. Nkwam-Uwaoma, Theories and Models of Communication, Jos University Press, Jos. 2017 ISBN 978166390. p 413

Abstract

The importance of communication theories cannot be over-emphasized. 
Theories provide an abstract understanding of the communication process. 
Communication theories show the relationship between the various variables that are at 
work in the communication process. Communication theory attempts to document types 
of communication and to optimize communication for the benefit of all. Hence, 
communication theories help us to understand how individuals construct meanings and 
how these meanings are affected by different factors. 
Furthermore, communication theories enable us to understand the relationships that 
exist between government and the mass media, and also how media and culture affect 
each other.   
The fact that communication theories is a compulsory course for students of 
Mass Communication at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the universities 
also underscores the important role of this subject in the study and practice of mass 
communication. Unfortunately, however, there is dearth of standard textbooks in mass 
communication theories. The book ‘Theories And Models of Communication” by 
Asemah, Nwammuo and Nkwam-Uwaoma is a valuable contribution to the field of 
communication. 
The 413 page book is organized into twenty chapters made up of a 
comprehensive compilation of communication theories and models with detailed 
discourse on the tenets, origin, applicability, strengths and weaknesses of each theory 
and model. 
Chapter one examined the meaning and functions of communication and 
highlighted the distinction between mass communication and other forms of 
communication. In chapter two, the authors discussed the concept of theory. They 
explained the meaning, goals and functions of a theory, and pointed out the relationship 
between research and a theory. Various types of theories were also identified and 
explained in this chapter. 
Chapter three provides an overview of communication theory. With focus on the 
framework for studying communication theories, the importance of communication 
theories and the seven traditions of communication theories were fully discussed. 
Chapter four dwells on the normative theories of the press, namely: the authoritarian 
media theory, Libertarian media theory, social responsibility media theory and soviet 
communist media theory as well as the development media theory and democratic