The Political Communication Reader gathers together key writings in a unique one-volume resource. The selected texts are grouped into thematic sections, each introduced by the editors, covering such areas as:

• the exercise of power, media and democracy
• the media and elections
• media effects
• political participation and the media
• the personalization of politics
• new technologies and the reshaping of political communication.

Available as a companion Reader to Brian McNair's Introduction to Political...

Culture, politics, economics and technology all impact upon policy decisions. To investigate the factors that influence communications policy, however, one has to go beyond conventional views of media and communication studies and combine these with policy studies. Communications Policy: Theories and Issues utilizes new research to highlight key debates and developments, and addresses a broad spectrum of contemporary concerns regarding the structure and the organization of communications systems in the past, present and future.
Combining theoretical analysis with empirical research...

Originally published in 1985, this book surveys developments in cable television in the major industrialised countries with chapters specifically authored on each area. It looks at the technology, its potential, and how far it had been implemented, considering the reaction of governments, existing broadcasting corporations and licensing authorities. Going on to assess future trends, a discussion of the likely effects of cable on communications, society and economy is an enlightening read now.

Originally published in 1988, this book provides a thorough examination of the possibilities and key issues in satellite technology which at the time already seemed likely to change the face of broadcasting both within nations and internationally. It begins with a guide to the technical development of different systems of satellites and signal reception and an outline of the international, political and regulatory issues involved. It then examines the situation in various industrialised countries by analysing launching plans, funding, the interaction between satellite, cable and VCRs and the...

This fully-updated new edition of Politics and the Mass Media provides a comprehensive introduction to the role of mass communications in politics at all levels, from election campaigns, news reports and lobbying groups to the media activities of pressure groups.
The relationship between politics, politicians and the media is a matter of increasingly contentious debate, as politicians' awareness of the importance of the media becomes more sophisticated amidst rapidly-advancing media technology and control.
Providing a review of the nature and content of political communications...