This introduction to the study of political communication covers the
following subjects: *The history of the media in the UK and the USA
including the concentration of ownership and the emergence of new media
technologies*The relationship between the media and political parties,
especially the effect the media has had on the policies and internal
power structures of parties and other organisations such as pressure
groups*Media influence on the electorate and the conduct of democratic
politics*The constitutional significance of the politics of the
mediaThe first part of the book focuses on the social context and
includes detailed analysis of the processes of political communication
today, as well as the impact of these on parties, pressure groups and
government. Developments in the US are considered alongside those in the
UK. The second part places media politics in their constitutional
context, covering issues such as open government and freedom of
expression, freedom of information, privacy and human rights. Attempts
by the governments of the UK and the US to manipulate and control the
media are also explored