An Introduction to Political Communication

by Brian McNair

At a time of radical shifts in power across the globe, the sixth edition of An Introduction to Political Communication examines the role of the media in the political process. Brian McNair reflects on the role of communication in key events such as the referendum vote for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the rise of nationalist populism in Europe, and the victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 US presidential election. He explores the use of communication as a weapon by Islamic State and other insurgent organisations, and by Putin’s Russia in its dealings with the West, including the hacking of Democratic Party emails in 2016. McNair argues that an expanding globalised public sphere and digital media network have transformed political communication, allowing political actors, from politicians and pressure groups to trade unions and terrorist organisations, to bypass traditional, established media in communicating their messages. This sixth edition of McNair’s classic text has been comprehensively revised and updated to

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

266 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 1995

About the author

Brian McNair was a Scottish journalist. He was a member of the Glasgow Media Group.

Reviews

[Mehreen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am extremely dull when it comes to politics but this book did such a good job laying the foundation of politics and the connection with media. Read it for my political communications class and ended up being really interested in the field.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good, especially the bit about hegemony, but much too US and UK-centered. The parts about Donald Trump and Brexit seem tacked on—probably too soon to have added them.

[Γιώργος Παπαθανασίου · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book

[Astrid Hao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for class

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good introduction indeed. Was easy to read and nice to also understand what is said. Maybe in some cases too much based on UK politics and media, but it's understandable - the autor is british. Specially enjoyed the parts which analysed media and different wars/conflicts (last chapter for example). All in all it's an interesting topic and worth reading/researching more about.
Edit: Since I read the edition which was released in 2003 and there was nothing about the Internet, this book would be even better with some analyse made between political communication and the Internet.

[Marta]

lasīju kursa darba tapšanai, bet patiesībā bija interesanti. teorētiski par to, kā politiķi novada ziņojumu līdz cilvēku ausīm, mediji to pārdrukā, ieliekot savos rāmjos, un kā tiek veidota politiskā komunikācija, lai sasniegtu mērķi.
jāizpēta vēl, kas ir autors, bet likās šausmīgs fanāts par politiķu komunikāciju un līdz ko runa nāca par medijiem, tā viss slikti, neviens neko nemāk izdarīt utt.