The rising popularity of political communication research warrants this second volume. In 1990, the International Association for Mass Communication Research (IAMCR) elevated the Political Communication Research Group (PCRG) to section status. The American Political Science Association recently formed a Political Communication section, and the International Communication Association's Political Communication section continues to thrive.The rising popularity of political communication research warrants this second volume. In 1990, the International Association for Mass Communication Research (IAMCR) elevated the Political Communication Research Group (PCRG) to section status. The American Political Science Association recently formed a Political Communication section, and the International Communication Association's Political Communication section continues to thrive.