The relationship between politics and the media is continually evolving. This book explores the technological, political and social forces that affect the practice of political communication throughout the world today. Offering a critical, historical approach, this book is for all students interested in the communication of politics.

"I have no hesitation in recommending what is a thoughtful, reflective book from this leading international authority on the subject." - Dominic Wring, Senior Lecturer in Communication and Media Studies, Loughborough University, UK

PART ONE: TRANSFORMATION AND PROFESSIONALISATION
The Transformation and professionalisation of political communication: what does it mean?
Who are the professionals?
PART TWO: THE TRANSFORMATION OF COMMUNCATION PRACTICES IN POLITICAL PARTIES AND GOVERNMENTS
The emergence of the 'electoral-professional' party
Political parties adapt to new technologies of communication
The professionalisation of actors
Governments and communication
The transformation and professionalisation of political communication: the global context
PART THREE: CONCERNS FOR THE FUTURE OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
The transformation and professionalisation of political communication: its impact on politics
The transformation and professionalisation of political communication: the professionalisation of everything and everyone?

RALPH NEGRINE is Professor of Political Communication in the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield. His many publications include 'Parliament and the Media', 'The Communication of Politics' and 'T.V. and the Press since 1945'.