Public images, private lives: An introduction

The processes of economic liberalisation, democratisation, and technological change are radically transforming political communication around the world. In multi-party democracies political activity has increasingly come under the gaze of a plethora of media outlets that have been deregulated and largely freed from censorship and direct state control. Personality and not just policies, is increasingly an integral part of a politician's electoral appeal. It is not uncommon to find politicians appearing in a variety of non-news media outlets, and for journalists to be interested in the all aspects of their private lives. This article provides an overview of some of the key issues raised in the articles assembled in this special issue of the journal and considers the consequences of some of the aspects discussed.