This is the first book dealing with the media and North American politics that brings together the perspectives of academics, reporters, commentators, campaign consultants and policy makers. The contributions combine the best social science research on political communication with the expertise of some of America's leading journalists and political consultants. The book covers an extensive 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.