An invaluable resource for shaping policies that resonate with the public and benefit democratic practices

Democracy may be widespread, but its vitality is under siege. Public trust in governments and institutions has eroded to critical levels, with many democracies failing to include citizens in meaningful consultation, engagement, and participation.

Public Communication and Public Policy: Reviving Democracy by Recalibrating Public Communication addresses this urgent need, exposing how one-way communication practices perpetuate disengagement and hinder policy effectiveness. Drawing on research across three continents, author Jim Macnamara dissects policy frameworks and government communication guidelines to uncover systemic shortcomings and offer actionable solutions.

Combining critical literature reviews, practitioner interviews, and real-world case studies, Public Communication and Public Policy delivers detailed recommendations to reform public communication—challenging conventional approaches and advocating for recalibrated consultation and citizen participation to rebuild trust and reinvigorate democratic processes.

A timely, solutions-focused analysis of democratic challenges, Public Communication and Public Policy

• Analyzes 16 widely used policy models to reveal critical gaps in consultation and engagement practices
• Provides detailed strategies to enhance public communication, consultation, and stakeholder participation
• Introduces groundbreaking frameworks such as the IP-IT model of communication
• Examines key policy failures such as Robodebt (Australia) and Post Office Horizon (UK)
• Bridges communication theory, public policy studies, and political science

Public Communication and Public Policy: Reviving Democracy by Recalibrating Public Communication is a must-read for academics, students, and professionals in public communication, strategic communication, and public policy. It is particularly relevant for policymakers, advisers, and government communication practitioners aiming to create inclusive, effective, and trust-building policies.

Jim Macnamara is a Distinguished Professor of Public Communication in the School of Communication at the University of Technology Sydney. He is also a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the London College of Communication. He is the author of 19 books including Organizational Listening II: Expanding the Concept, Theory, and Practice and Evaluating Public Communication: Exploring New Models, Standards, and Best Practice.