The Position and Functions of Media in Political Communications

Communications and media currently cover up various social, political, cultural and economic activities. Meanwhile, the political importance of communications and media boosts as human communities get more complex and expand. This has been so to such an extent that it is currently believed that communications and media function as the axis of political life and political systems cannot create order in communities and have people's participation in political affairs without utilizing mass media and means of communication. Citizens cannot play an active role in their communities, participate in elections and interact with statesmen without mass media, either. To influence behavior is what counts in political communications. Political communicator, who is predominantly a politician here, tries to influence his/her audience using various communication tools, and the necessary rules and techniques. He/ She attempts to harmonize them with his/her plans and ideas, consolidate his/her position and expand his/her power range by influencing the public and attracting the public opinion. Examining the relationship between media and political communication, this article aims at determining the standing and functions of media in the field of political communications. The highly essential role of the Internet has been emphasized here.