Political communication

:"Political Communication" redirects here. For the academic journal, see Political Communication (journal)."

Political communication is a sub-field of political science that deals with the production, dissemination, procession and effects of information within a political context. This includes the study of the media, the analysis of speeches by politicians and those that are trying to influence the political process, among other aspects.

Defining the concept in political science

As with many terms in political science, political communications has also been difficult to define. For instance, Robert E. Denton and Gary C. Woodward in their book "Political Communication in America" characterize political communication in the form of intensions of its senders to influence the political environment. In their words "the crucial factor that makes communication 'political' is not the source of a message, but its content and purpose." Denton R.E., Woodward G.C. "Political Communication in America", New York: Praeger, 1998, p.11] Brian McNair provides a similar definition when he writes that political communication is "purposeful communication about politics." For McNair this means that this not only covers verbal or written statements, but also visual representations such as dress, make-up, hairstyle or logo design. With other words, it also includes all those aspects that develop a "political identity" or "image". McNair B. "An Introduction to Political Communication", London: Routledge, 2003, p.24]

McNair B. "An Introduction to Political Communication", London: Routledge, 2003, p.24]

References

External links

[http://www.apsanet.org/~polcomm/ Political Communication section at the American Political Science Association (APSA)]