This is a systematic and accessible introduction to the critical concepts, structures and professional practices of political communication.

Lilleker presents over 50 core concepts in political communication which cement together various strands of theory. From aestheticisation to virtual politics, he explains, illustrates and provides selected further reading. He considers both practical and theoretical issues central to political communication and offers a critical assessment of recent developments in political communication.

Darren Lilleker is a Senior Lecturer at Bournemouth University in Communication and Marketing Research.

Aestheticisation
Agenda-Setting
Americanisation/Professionalism
Audiences
Authenticity
Brands/Branding
Broadcasting/Narrowcasting
Campaigns/Campaigning
Civil/Civic Society
Consumerism/Consumerisation
Cynicism
Dealignment
Dumbing Down
E-representation/E-politics
Electoral professionalism
Emotionalisation
Framing
Globalisation
Hegemonic Model
Ideology
Image
Information Subsidies
Infotainment
Legitimacy/Legitimisation
Manufactured Consent
Media-Centred Democracy
Media Effects
Mediatisation
Message/Messages
Negativity
News Management
News Values
Packaging
Permanent Campaigning
Political Advertising
Political Marketing
Popular Culture
Populism
Propaganda
Pseudo-Events
Public Relations Democracy
Public Sphere
Representation
Rhetoric
Segmentation
Soundbite/Soundbite Culture
Source-Reporter Relations
Spin/Spin-Doctor
Technological Determinism
Terrorism
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Virtual Politics/Virtual Communities