Dr Mark Wheeler, Emeritus Professor of Political Communication, co-edited the new publication, which examines the influence of digital media on democracy
Date: 10 August 2026
Two London Metropolitan University academics have played key roles in the publication of the first handbook fully dedicated to digital political communication.
The new publication was co-edited by Dr Mark Wheeler, Emeritus Professor of Political Communication at London Met, with contributions from Dr Jeremy Collins, a senior lecturer in Media Studies.
Published earlier this month, the De Gruyter Handbook of Digital Political Communication examines the influence of digital media on democracy, featuring chapters by leading academics.
Mark said the book shines a light on two different perspectives when it comes to the influence that social media has on politics.
“For some, the sheer volume of unfiltered information available on social media demonstrates a decentralisation of power relations within our democracies, and a removal of old hierarchies.
“In contrast, critical theorists argue social media has widened the gap between opposing political viewpoints, and eroded rational debate.
“Celebrity politicians such as Donald Trump and tech giants like Elon Musk are examples of the dangers of elite impositions over cyberspace within electoral and party politics.
"Alternatively, states and non-state actors have sought to enhance their soft power attraction to foreign audiences through the information communications technologies.
“This book analyses the pros and cons concerning the transformation in the behaviour of governing institutions, parties and the media through the digital world we all inhabit.”
The handbook takes an interdisciplinary approach (political theory and science; media studies; computer science; communication studies, democratisation, journalism; cultural studies; sociology; law; and philosophy) to discuss the globalisation of today’s media.
One of the chapters, Online News and Legacy Media: The Continuing Crises of Digital Journalism, was written by Jeremy Collins, who is the course leader for Film and Television Production BA (Hons).
Jeremy also contributed as one of the eight section editors, exploring the uneasy relationship between digital media and legacy institutions.
He said: “Chapters from my co-authors consider the role of fact checking in this post-truth era, the difficulties of attempts to regulate mis- and dis-information, the politicisation of health news, and the patterns of news media consumption found in young audience groups.
“It has been a pleasure working with esteemed colleagues to produce our section of this important book.”
Dr Mark Wheeler's research interests include media and policy, political communication, social media and democracy, the politics of Hollywood and celebrity politics.
Dr Jeremy Collins' research interests include the sociology of news production and news management; propaganda and post-truth politics; media representations of science; risk communication; journalism and media ethics; and popular culture.