An Introduction to Political Communication (Communication and Society)

by Brian McNair

An Introduction to Political Communication explores the relationship between politics, the media and democracy in the UK, the USA and other contemporary societies. Brian McNair examines how politicians, trade unions, pressure groups, non-governmental organizations and terrorist organizations make use of the media. Separate chapters look at political media and their effects, the work of political advertising, marketing and public relations and the communication practices of organizations at all levels, from grassroots campaigning through to governments and international bodies.

Recent developments covered in the new edition

* the re-election of New Labour in 2001
* the changes in government information and communication policy introduced by the Blair administration since 1997
* the 2000 election of George W. Bush in the United States
* the NATO interventions in Kosovo and the former Yugoslavia
* the implications for international political communication of September 11
* the emergence of Al-Quaida and the war on terror.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

272 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.