This encyclopedia is the joint work of many contributors, and the editors, first and foremost, want to thank our contributors for their hard work and dedication to the project. Without their combined expertise and willingness to share their knowledge of political communication, the encyclopedia would not have been possible.

Our advisory board of distinguished scholars included Robert Denton, Doris Graber, Kathleen Haynes, Max McCombs, and Denis McQuail. They were particularly helpful in developing the headword/ entry list and in suggesting possible authors and contributors.

The editorial staff at Sage Publications also made essential contributions to this project. We particularly appreciate the efforts of Margaret Seawell, Leticia Gutierrez, Todd Armstrong, and Yvette Pollastrini. Most especially we are grateful to Sara Tauber for keeping us on track and helping us solve the daily problems, large and small.

As always, we could not have completed this project without the help and support of our spouses, Salah Bacha and Cliff Jones.