media influence

• how does strong public opinion influence govt decisions, especially near election time?

  The government tends to listen to strong public opinion, especially near election time when they seek votes.
• What role do news media play in influencing legislation?

  The news media report events but also exercise considerable influence on legislation.
• Are TV and radio stations required to maintain political balance in their broadcasting?

  Yes, TV and radio stations are required by law to maintain a political balance in their broadcasting.
• Is there a restriction on news papers reharding political balance?

  No, there is no restriction on newspapers, allowing them to take strong positions on legislative proposals.
• why do politiicans depened on the media, and how does this affect their actions?

  Politicians depend on the media for their public image and avoid actions that may set the media against them.
• How can the media positively influence the government's awareness of public feelings?


  The media make the government aware of public feelings, which is important as the government wants public votes.
• how can media owners manipulate public opinions, with an example?

  Media owners can manipulate public opinion, e.g., Rupert Murdoch, owner of many newspapers and channels.
• what impact did the telegraph's 2009 exposure of MPs expenses claims have?

  It led to a change in the law and some MPs ended up in prison.
• why do MPs need a good relationship with the media?

  MPs need a good relationship with the media to ensure positive portrayal.
• Provide an example of how media reports let to the passing of legislation?

  News reports led to the passing of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Sex Offenders Act 1997.
• Why did the govt feel compelled to act in response to media driven public concern in the case of the dangerous dogs act 1991 or the sex offenders act 1997?

  The government could not afford to ignore the public concern whipped up by the media, despite the risk to the public not being any greater than before.
• how can the media rep the public's views effectively?

  The media can represent the views of a sizable section of the public and assist pressure groups in combined campaigns, e.g., Sara’s Law.
• How does the wide audeince of the media benefit public engagement in the legislative process?

  The media's wide audience can increase public awareness and engagement in the legislative process, helping gauge public concern through forums and letter pages.
• Give an example of how the media can support pressure groups in their campaigns?

  The Daily Mail supported the Snowdrop campaign after the Dunblane massacre, leading to tighter gun control laws in the Firearm Act 1997.
• How do the media's access to politicians influence legislation?

  The media can provide direct pressure on legislators by asking questions and creating publicity for political change, e.g., Jamie Oliver's campaign led to the Education (Nutritional Standards for School Dinners) Regulations 2006.
• why can media influence be seen as a knee-jerk reaction, with an example?

  Media influence can lead to hastily introduced and poorly drafted laws, such as the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, following injury cases involving dogs
• What is a disadvantage of sensationalised journalism promoted by the media?

  Sensationalised journalism can lead to biased opinions, as media organisations are commercially driven and may not be objective or concerned with legislation.
• how does unequal media ownership affecti t's influence on legislation?

  Unequal media ownership gives a disproportionate voice to a few, making the media more powerful and potentially influencing legislation unfairly
• what is a 'moral panic' and how can it lead to poorly drafted legislation?


  Moral panics induced by the media can lead to panic legislation, which is often ill-conceived and poorly drafted, such as the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
• why do media focus only on the most controversial issues a disadvantage?

  The media's focus on controversial issues can overlook important but less sensational matters, skewing public perception and legislative priorities.