Book excerpt: With contributions from leading researchers from different regions of Europe and the United States, the publication's scope is unique in its comprehensiveness in relation to a specific topic and its innovative approach. Contributions go beyond existing theory in exploring methodologies to operationalize and measure formal and actual levels of independence of media and its regulatory agencies. Two major European research networks (INDIREG and MEDIADEM) collaborate and make substantial contributions to theory and research. Media independence is vital for democracies, and so is the independence of the regulatory bodies governing it. 'The independence of the media and its regulatory agencies' explores the complex relationship between media governance and independence of media regulatory authorities within Europe, which form part of the wider framework in which media's independence may flourish or fade.