influence of the media

Question 1

where the televised leaders’ debates important in the 2010 election campaign?

Answer 1

YES
- they raised the profile for Nick Clegg, also made it seem useful to vote for Lib Dems as they were portrayed as one of the big parties
- they damaged the reputation of Cameron - ‘i agree with nick’
- became main event for election campaign - the first debate beat coronation street and east enders in viewing numbers
NO
- they did not really alter the polls in the elections (Clegg lost 5 seats)
- the second and third debates didnt have as much impact

Question 2

how have opinion polls affected results?

Answer 2

• 2015 election opinion polls tended to show Labour and Cons in a tight race, this caused many to shift their vote from minor parties to one of the big 2, when in fact the polls were generous to labour as a significant proportion of the people taking them were younger

Question 3

how has news affected politics?

Answer 3

• the increased pressure of news companies to provide 24 hour, constant news has led to minor stories being given more attention than they actually warranted
• the news has made entertainment out of politics e.g., Milliband eating weirdly
• the sun in 1992 claimed that ‘it was the sun wot won it’
• the 2010 expenses scandal exposed by the Daily Telegraph led to many tories losing seats
• the jingoistic and patriotic representation of the falklands war raised thatcher’s profile

Question 4

how has the control of media become important?

Answer 4

• Blair was the first to use Alastair Campbell as a spin doctor who helped Blair with his media campaigns
• the increase use of sound bites and phrases e.g., Build Back Better
• many modern day politicians have social media platforms.