The Influence of the Media
The Press
Physical sales have declined massively over recent years
The Sun is the most read newspaper and had a circulation of 3.9 million in 1997, 3 million in
2010, 1.8 million in 2016 and 1.4 million in 2019
Many read press online
Newspapers remain important, especially as TV, radio and other media often report on
newspaper headlines
Bias newspapers may unknowingly shape reader’s political views
Notable right-wing bias across the British press
Right-wing press- The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Times and The Daily Express
Left-wing press- The Daily Mirror and The Guardian
Neutral press- The Independent
Television
UK TV news/politics coverage should be neutral, especially on the BBC
Declining viewing figures as the leader's debate was watched by 9.6 million in 2010, 7 million in
2015 and 3.5 million in 2017 (when May did not attend)
24-hour News Channels means that there is more news and analysis than ever before, possibly
leading to sensationalising
Around elections, parties produce party political broadcasts controlled by regulations
Radio
Can be as small and simple, regular news updates
Some channels have much more detailed analysis of news and politics, with interviews with
politicians and public phone-ins debating current events etc. (BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and
BBC Radio 2 with Jeremy Vine)
Online Media
Not subject to the same rules and regulations, and so is often highly partisan
Can be highly inaccurate and promote ‘fake News'
People often operate in ‘echo-chambers’ in which they only hear views similar to their own
(based on their feed being tailored to their interests, recent searches and chosen followers)
Mainstream media has lost control of political narratives; social and online media is often seen
to lead the way
Social media platforms face increasing pressure to fact check and moderate content on their
platforms (Twitter putting fact checks on and removing some of Trump’s tweets, as well as
implementing a permanent suspension from the platform)
Can benefit those who are demonised by mainstream media and provides a space to project
their message and garner support (e.g., Trump and Corbyn)
Opinion Polls
The Press
Physical sales have declined massively over recent years
The Sun is the most read newspaper and had a circulation of 3.9 million in 1997, 3 million in
2010, 1.8 million in 2016 and 1.4 million in 2019
Many read press online
Newspapers remain important, especially as TV, radio and other media often report on
newspaper headlines
Bias newspapers may unknowingly shape reader’s political views
Notable right-wing bias across the British press
Right-wing press- The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Times and The Daily Express
Left-wing press- The Daily Mirror and The Guardian
Neutral press- The Independent
Television
UK TV news/politics coverage should be neutral, especially on the BBC
Declining viewing figures as the leader's debate was watched by 9.6 million in 2010, 7 million in
2015 and 3.5 million in 2017 (when May did not attend)
24-hour News Channels means that there is more news and analysis than ever before, possibly
leading to sensationalising
Around elections, parties produce party political broadcasts controlled by regulations
Radio
Can be as small and simple, regular news updates
Some channels have much more detailed analysis of news and politics, with interviews with
politicians and public phone-ins debating current events etc. (BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and
BBC Radio 2 with Jeremy Vine)
Online Media
Not subject to the same rules and regulations, and so is often highly partisan
Can be highly inaccurate and promote ‘fake News'
People often operate in ‘echo-chambers’ in which they only hear views similar to their own
(based on their feed being tailored to their interests, recent searches and chosen followers)
Mainstream media has lost control of political narratives; social and online media is often seen
to lead the way
Social media platforms face increasing pressure to fact check and moderate content on their
platforms (Twitter putting fact checks on and removing some of Trump’s tweets, as well as
implementing a permanent suspension from the platform)
Can benefit those who are demonised by mainstream media and provides a space to project
their message and garner support (e.g., Trump and Corbyn)
Opinion Polls
