mediamedia

Mediamedia is a term used in media studies to describe content that examines media industries, production processes, and audience reception, often through self-reflexive or meta-commentary. The term signals a focus on media as a subject in its own right, rather than solely as a conduit for information or entertainment. While not universally standardized, mediamedia is used to categorize works that reveal the conditions, norms, and power structures shaping media outputs.

Forms and examples: It spans films, television dramas, documentaries, podcasts, and digital journalism that portray editors, producers, journalists, platform designers, or algorithmic systems, sometimes blurring the line between criticism and storytelling. Meta-documentaries about newsrooms, Hollywood production, or social media ecosystems are common illustrations, as are criticism-heavy essays and theoretical pieces that analyze how media institutions construct meaning and influence public perception.

Usage and debates: The label is employed selectively and sometimes overlaps with concepts such as reflexivity, meta-narrative, or meta-media. Proponents argue that mediamedia encourages media literacy by exposing production choices and industry incentives. Critics contend that excessive self-reference can alienate audiences or become insular. In practice, its effectiveness depends on explicit analysis rather than vanity.

Related concepts include reflexivity in media, meta-media, meta-narrative, media literacy, and mediatization.