Contends that the belief in saints did not emerge spontaneously. Traces a consistent ecclesiastical propaganda campaign aimed at communicating the character, powers, and importance of saints. Calls this the oldest, most enduring, effective propaganda campaign in the Western world prior to the invention of the press. (PD)

Describes the propaganda techniques used by ecclesiastical authorities in the Middle Ages. Argues that emerging monarchies of the period transformed these techniques to their own use and thus contributed to the birth of nationalisms. (MS)

Discusses a number of new books that signal a revival of interest in the role of propaganda as a tool of mass persuasion. Relates the political uses of this revival to modern concerns about public opinion and advertising. (JD)

Offers case studies of the newspaper coverage of similar events--the strife in Cambodia and East Timor and elections in El Salvador and Nicaragua--to illustrate that a propaganda framework is frequently applicable to media coverage of important issues, resulting in a possible absence of diversity of opinion. (PD)

Notes that the highly visible propaganda offensive mounted by the Right against political correctness uses tactics of boldly asserting falsehood and shamelessly exaggerating a small truth. Shows the falseness of such claims regarding standards for hiring faculty and admitting students, curriculum content, and restrictions on "hate…

Discusses United States communication research as it emerged in the 1940s, the successor to propaganda analysis and tributary of modernization theory. Places it in the broader context mid-century American and European social thought. Compares these developments to the work of Hannah Arendt and of Emmanuel Levinas on the sense of difference and…

Argues that Rockefeller Foundation served as an unofficial arm of the state from 1938 to 1944 by mobilizing social-scientific expertise to fight fascism when the Roosevelt Administration was politically unable to do so. Notes that Rockefeller Foundation officer John Marshall's role in the history of American mass communication research and the…

Using published atrocity tales about the Unification Church, the authors attempt to illustrate how illegal actions and coercion by deprogramers and their supporters can serve to validate evil and legitimize social control. (PD)

Reports on how traditional feedback channels in the Soviet Union work and how public opinion surveys have caused Communist party leaders to assess and expand their feedback channels, particularly in the area of letters from private citizens. (PD)

Suggests that an emphasis on erotic images in women's magazines and on images of adventure, risk, and recreation in youth magazines tailored cigarette ads to the implicit and explicit desires of consumers, allaying their fears about the health effects of smoking. (MM)

Examines the contributions of Jacques Ellul to the area of communication research through his principle of "la technique," which offers a primary focus for theoretical considerations of modern communications media and their role in human society. (JMF)