About the New Political Communication Unit

Founded in 2007 by Professor Andrew Chadwick, the New Political Communication Unit is an internationally-leading centre for the study of media and politics. Led by the Department of Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway, University of London, our research agenda consists of three strands:

• Comparative and international political communication: the internet's impact on political mobilization, campaigning and identity; the complex interactions among older and newer media logics; the relationship between media, war, new security challenges and conflict; audience reception studies in the context of the proliferation of media; the dynamic between citizens’ changing uses of media and a transforming news environment; citizen journalism; technology and mobilities.

• Communication and comparative governance: online democracy and the changing interface between representative institutions, public bureaucracies and citizens; changing organizational practices shaped by new patterns of communication.

• Comparative and international communication policy: internet and new media governance and regulation; privacy, surveillance and security, the political economy of newer media; the digital divide and development issues.

We currently offer a taught Masters stream in Media, Power, and Public Affairs and PhD supervision in our areas of expertise.