I am a Professor in the Departments of Communication and Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. I am on sabbatical for the winter quarter of 2026, and spending some time as a visiting scholar at the AxPo Observatory of Market Society Polarization at Sciences Po in Paris. My research focuses on political communication, political psychology, and the relationships between public policy, public opinion, and mass media. I have been particularly interested in negativity (and positivity) in news coverage, and the role of mass media in representative democracy. This site includes descriptions of these ongoing projects, published research (including data and content analytic tools), my lab group & teaching, and links to recent news & blogs related to my work.

A man sitting on cushions in front of a fireplace with a laptop, a dog lying beside him, and musical instruments and artwork in the background in a living room.