It assesses the link campaign ads provide in connecting voters with political messages, offering an in-depth look at how these ads work and how they are received by voters. Investigating the role and consequences of issue advertising, the book also shows how the phenomenon of issue advocacy is reshaping American politics. This volume gathers some of the most important new work in American political advertising and communication. The contributors include several of the foremost experts in this increasingly visible field. It seems the more attack ads there are, the more informed voters will be.
Negative ads can be helpful.
In general, contrast advertisements contain more information and are processed and remembered more readily than positive ads. Attack ads must be accurate if they are to have a substantial positive impact on democratic elections. The secrecy and vast sums of money inherent in most issue ad campaigns have allowed the wealthy and well-organized to manipulate the political process. If unchecked, this threatens to undermine the foundations of representative government. Crowded Airwaves will appeal to readers who are interested in political campaigns and communication.