Recognize the meaning, elements, and functions of political communication

JAKARTA (Antara) – Political communication is a term used in a blend of communication and political studies related to state political activities.

In addition, political communication also plays a crucial role as a liaison between the government and the community.

So, what exactly is the meaning of political communication and its function for the continuity of a country? The following explanation.

The meaning of political communication

Political communication can be interpreted as the process of delivering political messages, both verbally and non-verbally, which is carried out by individuals, groups, or institutions to the broad audience with the aim of influencing the attitudes, behavior, and political thinking of the community.

These messages can be in the form of government policies, political party programs, to developing opinions in the community.

Political communication can also be interpreted as communication between the governing and governed parties, where this process involves one element of political communication, namely communicators and political communicants.

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Elements of political communication

The element of political communication is a basic component that forms the communication process in politics, which includes the parties and elements involved in the delivery and acceptance of political messages.

This element interacts with each other to form an effective political communication process, where political messages can be conveyed clearly, accepted, and influence the political attitudes or behaviors of the community.

In addition to political communicators, here are 5 complete elements of political communication.

1. Political communicator

The communicator is the party that sends a political message. They can be political figures such as the president, ministers, members of the DPR, political parties, government institutions, mass media, or community groups who have a role in conveying political information.

2. Political Message

Political message is the content or information conveyed in political communication. Political messages can be in the form of speeches, statements, policies, pamphlets, news, or other forms that contain political meanings, either verbally or non-verbally, written or unwritten, until open or closed.

3. Political media

The media is a means used to convey the political message of the communicator to the communicant. For example through electronic media, digital media, print media, or direct meetings.

4. Communicant or political target

The communicant is the recipient of a political message, namely the general public or certain groups that are the target of delivering political communication. The communicant in question can be workers, students, entrepreneurs, or other civil society.

5. Feedback (Political Effects)

Feedback is the effect or response of the communicant after receiving a political message from the communicator, where the communicant can understand the political meaning and know the condition of the government system.

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Political communication function

Political communication functions important in the political system because it is the main means to convey political messages to the wider community.

The basic function of political communication is to provide accurate information about policies, programs, and ongoing political issues, so that people can understand the political and government situation.

In addition, political communication also functions to maintain the values ​​of traditions and political norms which are the foundation of the life of the nation and state.

In political socialization, political communication becomes the main thing to educate, introduce the political system, rights and political obligations for the country’s society.

Political communication is also persuasive, so as to encourage positive social and political change.

Then, political communication acts as a social control by providing space for the community to submit the rights of responsibility and opinions, which ultimately can increase public political participation.

Thus, political communication is not only in the form of conveying messages, but also forms opinions, motivating, and maintaining political stability in society and government.

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Reporter: Putri Atika Chairulia
Editor: Suryanto
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