Theories of Political Communication

Political communication theories explore how information influences politics, public opinion, and behavior. Key theories include the Agenda-Setting Theory, which suggests media shapes what issues are considered important; the Framing Theory, which examines how information is presented to affect interpretation; and the Spiral of Silence, which posits that individuals may withhold opinions if they feel they are in the minority. These theories help us understand the relationship between media, politicians, and the public, highlighting how information dissemination can impact democratic processes and citizen engagement.