The Media Flashcards
(18 cards)
1992 General Election – “It’s The Sun Wot Won It”
The Sun newspaper, owned by Rupert Murdoch, claimed to have swayed the election in favour of John Major’s Conservatives after running relentless negative coverage of Labour leader Neil Kinnock. This example is often cited as a turning point showing the power of media endorsements and agenda-setting.
1997 General Election – Media Backing Blair
In a shift from tradition, The Sun and other traditionally right-leaning papers endorsed Tony Blair’s New Labour. Blair’s media strategy included building close relationships with press barons like Murdoch. Labour’s landslide victory was partially attributed to positive media portrayal and a tightly controlled message.
2010 General Election – Televised Leaders’ Debates
This was the first time televised debates were held between the leaders of the main parties. Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrat) performed strongly in the first debate, leading to a temporary polling surge – the “Cleggmania” effect. This showed the increasing influence of broadcast and visual media, not just newspapers.
2015 General Election – Press Support for Conservatives
The right-wing press, particularly the Daily Mail, The Sun, and The Telegraph, backed the Conservatives and ran negative stories on Ed Miliband, portraying him as weak and unfit to lead. This contributed to shaping voter perceptions, especially among swing voters.
2017 General Election – Corbyn and Social Media
Despite overwhelmingly negative coverage in traditional newspapers, Labour under Jeremy Corbyn saw a surge in youth support, fuelled by viral content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The alternative media (e.g., Novara Media, Momentum’s videos) helped bypass mainstream hostility.
2019 General Election – Boris Johnson and Media Strategy
Mainstream newspapers largely backed Boris Johnson’s Conservatives. The Daily Mail, The Sun, and The Telegraph consistently promoted his “Get Brexit Done” message. Social media was also flooded with targeted ads and memes, many coordinated by Conservative-linked campaigners. Labour again suffered from hostile press coverage.
2024 General Election – Shift Towards Social Media, Decline in Press Power
Although the election hasn’t happened yet (as of your exams), polls and analysis suggest that the media landscape is increasingly fragmented. TikTok and Instagram have become crucial campaign platforms. Labour’s attempt to control its narrative via digital engagement shows a shift from newspaper dominance to online media influence.
2009 – MPs’ Expenses Scandal
Broke via The Daily Telegraph, this scandal revealed widespread misuse of expenses by MPs across all parties. It led to resignations, criminal charges, and major reforms. It was a powerful example of investigative journalism directly shaping political accountability.
2011 – Phone Hacking Scandal
The News of the World was found to have hacked phones of celebrities, crime victims, and politicians. The scandal led to the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics, the closure of the paper, and the exposure of close ties between media and politicians, especially David Cameron’s relationship with Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson.
2016–2020 – Brexit-Related Media Campaigns
During and after the Brexit referendum, UK media (especially the Daily Mail and The Sun) heavily shaped the narrative, often through sensational headlines. Claims such as the £350 million a week for the NHS were spread through newspapers and online, influencing long-term political opinion.
2020 – Dominic Cummings and Barnard Castle
The media, particularly The Guardian and Mirror, broke the story that Boris Johnson’s chief adviser had broken lockdown rules. The public backlash was severe, and the episode damaged government credibility. This was an example of how media scrutiny can undermine government authority.
2022 – Partygate Scandal
Investigated and heavily covered by ITV News, The Mirror, and The Guardian, the scandal revealed parties held in Downing Street during COVID lockdowns. It led to a significant decline in trust in Boris Johnson’s leadership and contributed to his resignation in July 2022.
BBC as a Public Broadcaster:
BBC as a Public Broadcaster: The BBC has a legal duty to impartiality. Although criticised from both left and right, it plays a key role in challenging politicians through programmes like Newsnight, Question Time, and election debates.
Leveson Inquiry (2011-2012):
A response to the phone hacking scandal, it recommended tighter press regulation. Though some recommendations were not implemented, it highlighted the potential for media reform and the need for accountability.
Ofcom Regulation:
Broadcast media in the UK is regulated by Ofcom, ensuring balance and accuracy. This is important for maintaining fairness during elections, particularly through equal airtime rules for parties.
Growth of Fact-Checking Media (2010s–2020s):
Outlets like Full Fact and BBC Reality Check increasingly challenge misinformation, especially during campaigns. Their work has become essential in holding both politicians and the media to account.
IPSO:
• Established in 2014 after the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics (triggered by the phone hacking scandal).
• Voluntary membership: Newspapers choose to join IPSO (most national and local newspapers do).
• It enforces the Editors’ Code of Practice, which covers accuracy, privacy, harassment, and reporting standards.
• IPSO can:
• Require corrections and apologies.
• Investigate serious breaches.
• Impose fines (though this power is rarely used).
IMPRESS:
• A much smaller regulator that is Leveson-compliant and officially recognised by the Press Recognition Panel.
• Supported mainly by smaller or independent publications.
• Not used by most major national newspapers.
