This document discusses the changing nature of political communication over three periods: premodern, modern, and postmodern. In the postmodern era, sound bites and photo opportunities have become more important than policy discussions. Politicians now rely heavily on mass media and produce guidelines for appearances. Government communication has shifted from secrecy to transparency with freedom of information acts, though governments still control messaging. New forms of online communication like petitions and blogs have emerged but are regulated. Political parties now use popular culture, music and celebrities to try reaching wider audiences in a "dumbed down" political landscape increasingly focused on style over substance.