Evaluate the view the press are the most influential form of media in voting behaviour
(30 marks)
Intro:
- there are three forms of media which could be argued to have a notable impact on
elections
- this includes press media, social media, and television
- this brings about the debate the press media may not be the most influential form of media
- overall, press media is not the most influential form of media as it has lost its popularity
over the years
Paragraph 1: Press Media
Agree Disagree
- The Sun headlined “crisis, what crisis” in - The 1979 result is more likely due to the
1979 which caused James Callaghan to be economic failures of the Labour Party
out of touch with its readers (valence issues)
- In 2017, YouGov states that 74% of Daily - According to YouGov, 41% of voters who
Mail readers voted Tory in 2017, read the Sun did not vote Tory + the
demonstrates bias & influence of right-wing explanation for people who did vote for the
papers party aligned with their newspaper can be
explained by the fact that people often do
read newspapers which align with their
political beliefs
- Older people are much more likely to vote
as voter turnout with 18-24 year olds is - There is a declining interest in
specifically low newspapers which are generally read by
older generations
Paragraph 2: Television & TV debates
TV is most influential TV is not most influential
- 2010 saw an increase in TV coverage and - The LibDems only increased their share of
debates which allowed Nick Clegg to the vote by 1% in 2010 and less seats in
increase his popularity (Cleggmania) the election in comparison to the 2005
resulting in a hung parliament election
- John Major’s dull TV campaign vs Tony
Blair’s vibrant campaign was reflected in
the election results
- Much more current and watched by
everyone (different age groups)
Paragraph 3: Social Media
(30 marks)
Intro:
- there are three forms of media which could be argued to have a notable impact on
elections
- this includes press media, social media, and television
- this brings about the debate the press media may not be the most influential form of media
- overall, press media is not the most influential form of media as it has lost its popularity
over the years
Paragraph 1: Press Media
Agree Disagree
- The Sun headlined “crisis, what crisis” in - The 1979 result is more likely due to the
1979 which caused James Callaghan to be economic failures of the Labour Party
out of touch with its readers (valence issues)
- In 2017, YouGov states that 74% of Daily - According to YouGov, 41% of voters who
Mail readers voted Tory in 2017, read the Sun did not vote Tory + the
demonstrates bias & influence of right-wing explanation for people who did vote for the
papers party aligned with their newspaper can be
explained by the fact that people often do
read newspapers which align with their
political beliefs
- Older people are much more likely to vote
as voter turnout with 18-24 year olds is - There is a declining interest in
specifically low newspapers which are generally read by
older generations
Paragraph 2: Television & TV debates
TV is most influential TV is not most influential
- 2010 saw an increase in TV coverage and - The LibDems only increased their share of
debates which allowed Nick Clegg to the vote by 1% in 2010 and less seats in
increase his popularity (Cleggmania) the election in comparison to the 2005
resulting in a hung parliament election
- John Major’s dull TV campaign vs Tony
Blair’s vibrant campaign was reflected in
the election results
- Much more current and watched by
everyone (different age groups)
Paragraph 3: Social Media
