Welcome to the Winter, 2006 Issue

Like many of you, in the past I have been blissfully unaware of PCR's backstage. In the midst of a busy day in an endless string of busy days another issue would appear in my inbox, as if by magic. With just a click I had access to lists of recent books, grants, and upcoming meetings, as well as interesting discussions on topics nearly always related to some aspect of my teaching or research. All of this I blithely took for granted. Well, no longer. As the new editor of PCR, I am now all too aware of the time and effort that goes into producing this newsletter.

ANNOUNCEMENT:   The Political Communication Division of ICA/APSA would like to add a section on "Teaching Political Communication" to its website, BUT WE CAN ONLY DO IT WITH YOUR HELP!  Please send electronic copies of your syllabi related to any aspect of political communication to David Ryfe. Also, if you have published websites related to the study or teaching of political communication, we'd like to receive links to those as well. In the coming months, we will organize and publish what we gather on the Political Communication division's website. Thanks for your help.

I mention this not to curse my fate—I'm excited about the prospect of stewarding this enterprise over the next few years—but to say that we owe Jill Edy and her editorial assistants a big thank you. In the past 3 years, Jill and her staff have worked very hard to keep us informed about what's happening in the division, all the while filling the newsletter with many helpful new resources.

For my part, I will attempt to retain the high standards set by my forebears, or, put more informally, I'll try not to screw up. I have a greater chance of success than I otherwise might because Jill and her staff have done such an excellent job.

During my tenure, I plan to make few changes to the form or content of the newsletter. So, on the left-hand side of the newsletter, you will find familiar links to books, grants, upcoming meetings, calls for papers, and featured data.

Now, as for this issue. One of the great—no, it is not the only (don't be so cynical :) )—joys of being PCR's editor is the opportunity to develop ideas for commentaries and roundtable discussions. For my inaugural issue I have asked a group of very smart people to reflect on the future of American news. Dan Hallin sets up the conversation in a reflection on his influential essay, now over a decade old, "The Passing of High Modernism in American Journalism." Comments by James T. Hamilton, David Tewksbury, Jane Singer and Mark Deuze follow. Enjoy.

And best wishes for the new year.

David Ryfe