Communication theories have revolved around the attempt to explain the problems of information and communication. Though they have all differed in a variety of ways, they have demonstrated that certain operating coding schemes exist within communication. Much of this reality is connected to how society functions, and there is a debate over how much communication involves the social construction of values through the mass media. Indeed, the question remains over how much free will still exists within a society where one must choose a message from a set of all possible messages. In many respects, communication theories have shown us that information is actually distinct from meaning. This essay will examine several communication theories and will then analyze the phenomenon of how communication, via mass media, is now manipulated by certain elites. 12 pgs. 9 f/c. 7b.