This project offers a new critique of participatory media practices. While the concept of participatory culture is often theorised as embodying the possibility of a potentially utopian future of media engagement and participation, this book argues that the culture industry, as it adapts and changes, provides moments of authorised participation that play out under the dominance of the industry. Through a critical recounting of the experience of creating a web series in Australia (with a global audience) outside of the culture industry structures, this book argues< that whilst participatory culture employing convergent media technologies enables media consumers to become media producers, this takes place through platforms controlled by industry. The emerging architecture of the Internet has created a series of platforms whereparticipation can take place. It is these platforms that become spaces of controlled access to participatory cultural practices.

Offers comprehensive and sophisticated argument that expands and critiques discussions of audience participation in digital media and audience labour in the digital age

1. Introduction.- 2. The Culture Industry and Audience Agency.- 3. Agency in Practice: A Participatory Utopia.- 4. Fans: A Long History of Participation.- 5. Producing Culture: Australian Media and Creative Policy.- 6. Participation in Practice.- 7. Authorised Participation.-