Political Mass Media

Although many mass media texts and channels are more overtly political than others, it can be argued that all media are intrinsically political. Most prominent, though, are the media campaigns of political parties and bodies that have long employed mass media as a political tool, which are of paramount importance in engaging voters in political life. With these dynamics in mind, the increase in reach that mass media have seen around the globe over the last century has profound implications for the influence of ideas and ideologies that affect global governance in real terms.

This entry discusses how mass media have been used in the political process by politicians and by citizens. It then looks at the role of mass media in televised debates, election day ...