Influence/the media Flashcards
(32 cards)
Types of media
Broadcast media, print media, new media
Broadcast media
TV, commercial & non-commercial radio, traditional news websites
Print media
Newspapers, flyers, leaflets, posters
New media
The internet, websites, social media
Roles of the media
Inform, influence, scrutinise
How does the media inform?
Keeps the public updated on issues and developments, provides unbiased reports on important issues
Example of the media informing the public
Informed the public of updates on Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as the FM in 2023
How does the media influence?
Encourage people to vote for certain parties, print media such as newspapers can be biased and may use this to paint parties in a good light
Example of the media influencing the public
The Scottish National supports the SNP and Scottish Independence, so will paint Swinney in a good light
How does the media scrutinise?
The media educate the public about policies and legislation, deeply analysing it to find flaws
Example of the media scrutinising the government
Many news sites such as the Scottish Daily Mail were vocal about their concerns about legitimacy of the decisions made by the government during COVID-19 pandemic
What methods do the media use?
Targeted ads, headlines and front pages, broadcasting debates
How does the media use targeted ads?
New media can gather data from user behaviour to provide advertisements that influence how you feel
Example of the media using targeted ads
Younger audiences see ads from SNP and labour because of behaviours and collected data
How does the media use headlines and front pages?
Print media is allowed to be biased as long as info isn’t false
They can be dramatic and one sided, so they use this to paint parties/governments as good or bad
When has the media used headlines and front pages?
The Scottish Daily Mail is often critical of John Swinney and the SNP, using dramatic front pages to turn people against his government
How does the media use broadcasting debates?
Broadcast media/TV must be balanced and provide all views
Debates help the electroate decide who to support
FM questions can make the FM look strong/weak
When has the media used broadcasting debates?
Humza Yousaf took part in the 2023 Leaders Debate before becoming Scottish FM
Reasons the media is effective
Reaches a wide audience, uncovers scandals, runs campaigns
How is reaching a wide audience effective?
People can access media regardless of demographics
People can see a wide range of campaigns and ideologies
Example of the media reaching a wide audience being effective
In the 2021 leaders debate, lots of people praised Nicola Sturgeon for how calm she was under pressure
How is uncovering scandals effective
Influence who people vote for by uncovering what parties are up to
Builds distrust and influences who people vote for
When has the media uncovered a scandal (effectiveness)?
In 2023, the SNP financial scandal was unconvered which some argue led to Sturgeon’s resignation
How is running campaigns influential?
The media can run campaigns on issues that matter to them and the public
Influences the public as well the government
