Political communication is a sub-field of political science and communication that deals with the production, dissemination, procession and effects of information, both through media and interpersonally, within a political context. This includes the study of the media, the analysis of speeches by politicians and those that are trying to influence the political process, and formal and informal conversations among members of the public, among other aspects.
As with many terms in social science, political communication has also been difficult to define. For instance, Robert E. Denton and Gary C. Woodward in their book Political Communication in America characterize political communication in the form of intentions of its senders to influence the political environment. In their words "the crucial factor that makes communication 'political' is not the source of a message, but its content and purpose." [1] Brian McNair provides a similar definition when he writes that political communication is "purposeful communication about politics." For McNair this means that this not only covers verbal or written statements, but also visual representations such as dress, make-up, hairstyle or logo design. With other words, it also includes all those aspects that develop a "political identity" or "image".[2]
There are many academic departments and schools around the country that specialize in political communication. These programs are housed in programs of communication, journalism, and political science, among others. The study of political communication is clearly interdisciplinary.