1.1 Definition and scope of political communication

Political communication shapes our democratic processes and policy decisions. It involves strategic messaging between political actors, media, and the public to influence opinions and mobilize support.

From campaign speeches to social media posts, political communication spans diverse contexts. It draws on multiple disciplines like political science, sociology, and media studies to analyze how messages impact individuals and society.

Political communication defined

Core elements and processes

Top images from around the web for Core elements and processes

• 

  Berlo - Praxis Framework View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Systems theory in political science - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Key Components of Communication | Organizational Behavior / Human Relations View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Berlo - Praxis Framework View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Systems theory in political science - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Core elements and processes

• 

  Berlo - Praxis Framework View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Systems theory in political science - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Key Components of Communication | Organizational Behavior / Human Relations View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Berlo - Praxis Framework View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Systems theory in political science - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Political communication creates, transmits, receives, and processes messages with significant direct or indirect impact on politics
• Involves key components
  • Sender (political actors)
  • Message (political content)
  • Medium (communication channels)
  • Receiver (audience or public)
• Encompasses verbal and non-verbal forms
  • Speeches
  • Debates
  • Advertisements
  • Social media posts
  • Symbolic actions (flag-burning protests)
• Operates strategically to influence public opinion, shape policy agendas, and mobilize political support
• Functions within complex ecosystem of stakeholders
  • Politicians
  • Media outlets
  • Interest groups
  • Citizens

Academic study and analysis

• Examines production, dissemination, and effects of political messages
• Analyzes impact on individuals, groups, and societies
• Explores how political communication shapes democratic processes
• Investigates role in policy formation and implementation
• Studies evolution of communication technologies and their influence on political discourse

Contexts of political communication

Electoral and governmental settings

• Electoral campaigns serve as primary context
  • Candidate messaging
  • Debates
  • Rallies
  • Voter outreach strategies (door-to-door canvassing)
• Governmental institutions utilize in policy-making
  • Legislative debates
  • Executive addresses (State of the Union)
  • Judicial opinions

Media and public sphere

• Traditional media environments shape public discourse
  • Newspapers
  • Television news broadcasts
  • Radio talk shows
• Digital platforms enable new forms of political engagement
  • Social media discussions
  • Online petitions
  • Viral campaign videos
• Grassroots and social movements employ communication tactics
  • Mobilize support for causes (climate change activism)
  • Challenge existing power structures
  • Advocate for social and political change

International and crisis contexts

• International diplomacy fosters communication between nations
  • United Nations General Assembly speeches
  • G20 summit negotiations
  • Bilateral trade talks
• Global governance forums facilitate multinational dialogue
  • World Economic Forum discussions
  • International climate change conferences (COP26)
• Crisis situations necessitate specific communication approaches
  • Natural disaster response messaging
  • National security threat briefings
  • Pandemic public health guidelines

Interdisciplinary nature of political communication

Social science foundations

• Political science contributes theories and concepts
  • Governance models
  • Power dynamics
  • Institutional behavior
• Sociology offers insights into group dynamics and social structures
  • Social movement formation
  • Collective action processes
  • Impact of inequality on political participation
• Psychology informs understanding of individual responses
  • Cognitive processing of political messages
  • Attitude formation and change
  • Behavioral responses to campaigns

Communication and language studies

• Communication studies provide analytical frameworks
  • Message creation strategies
  • Media effects theories
  • Audience reception models
• Rhetoric and linguistics contribute to discourse analysis
  • Argumentation strategies in political debates
  • Metaphor use in campaign speeches
  • Language framing in policy discussions

Media and technological perspectives

• Media studies examine news framing and agenda-setting
  • Analysis of political news coverage
  • Impact of media ownership on political messaging
  • Evolution of political advertising techniques
• Data science applies computational methods
  • Social network analysis of political discussions
  • Natural language processing of political texts
  • Predictive modeling of voting behavior

Political vs other communication

Unique characteristics and focus

• Centers on distribution and exercise of power within society
• Potential for significant societal impact distinguishes it
  • Influences governance
  • Shapes policy-making
  • Affects collective decision-making processes
• Subject to higher level of scrutiny and analysis
  • Academic research on political messaging effectiveness
  • Media fact-checking of political claims
  • Public debate over interpretation of political statements

Strategic and competitive nature

• Often adversarial, crafted to compete with opposing viewpoints
  • Point-counterpoint in political debates
  • Negative campaign advertising
  • Rebuttals to policy proposals
• Operates on multiple levels simultaneously
  • Addresses immediate tactical goals (winning a debate)
  • Pursues long-term strategic objectives (shifting party ideology)

Legal and ethical considerations

• Subject to unique regulations and requirements
  • Campaign finance laws
  • Equal time rules for broadcast media
  • Transparency requirements for political advertising
• Ethical considerations play significant role
  • Truth in political messaging
  • Responsible use of political rhetoric
  • Fairness in media coverage of political issues