National Communication Association Perspectives on Communication and Democracy

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Excerpt from National Communication Association. Communication: Ubiquitous, Complex, Consequential.” (pdf document). Washington, DC: National Communication Association. 2003. p. 9-14

“It is important to understand how communication media influence both the public and the political process and how effective civic discourse can be achieved. Without effective deliberation, our democratic political system cannot develop the will or the wisdom to meet the other challenges that we face. Without civic discourse that is open to all, the democratic ideals on which our nation was founded become a hollow promise.

• Communication affects political involvement
• Communication shapes civic discourse
• Communication media determine the issues the public thinks are important
• How the public views politics depends on how the media frame issues
• New communication technologies are helping to build new communities.”

Other NCA Policy Statements on Communication and Democracy

NCA Credo for Free and Responsible Communication in a Democratic Society

NCA Policy on Political Communication