thinktanks, lobbyists, corporations and the media

• what is a think tank?

  Research institute around particular policies or issues
• lobbying is when an individual or group tries to persuade politicians to support their cause
• think tanks are often funded by private companies
• think tanks can be used to influence policy decisions made by government
• corporate influence on government policy can be seen through donations made by companies to political parties.
• the media has a significant impact on public opinion as it shapes how people view certain events and issues.
• the main aim of a think tank is to produce research that will inform public debate on important social and economic issues.
• most big corporations campaigned to Remain during Brexit but were ignored
• corporations may be invited by the government to contribute to policy discussions and to help produce legislation relevant to their business
• government ministers often have personal links with key figures in the media - 2012 -> the close friendship between PM David Cameron and Rebekah Brooks, former editor of the News of the World and the Sun
• think tanks can be politically biased or aim to be neutral