This paper reviews the Westley-MacLean communication model, suggests some important research questions generated by it, and discusses recent research in mass media. A brief review of recent research suggests that the concept of agenda setting may be usefully superimposed on the Westley-MacLean model to reveal partial answers to some of these important questions and to suggest some implications. Some consequents and some determinants of agenda setting have been revealed, while additional investigations are needed. The paper reports an instance which emphasizes both the implications of the agenda-setting concept and the fact that the low priority assigned by media to routine electoral matters will affect the salience of these matters for consumers of media reports. This instance also offers evidence that political news is currently emphasized less by the media than in previous years. (Author/JM)