This comprehensive reader is the first book dealing with the media and American politics that brings together the perspectives of academics, reporters, commentators, campaign consultants, and policy advocates. The contributions blend together the best social science research on political communication with the expertise of some of this country's leading journalists and political consultants. Unlike most other treatments, this volume covers the full range of research issues, including the forces that influence the production of news stories, the relationship between reporters and elected officials, the use of the media in political campaigns, the effects of news presentations on public opinion, and the increasing importance of the mass media in the policy process. This thorough book provides coverage of everything from the Gulf War to journalistic code and will be valuable for courses in political communication, public opinion, and related undergraduate courses. --Publisher.