Changing role of media in/between general elections

1997 general election impact of the media:

• Used spin doctor- Alistair Campvbell- manipulate press/media to put across message of the day and keeping spokespeople on message

• Focus groups- make it seem like Labour cared about the issues the public cared about

2017 General Election:

• May- refusal to take part in leadership debate= bad media coverage impacting image

• Dementia tax- negative press= turn

Limit- Nick Clegg

• Popularity from leadership debate= not significant as only 1% increase in Lib Dem votes

How the Falklands war helped Thatcher?

• Patriotic media reporting- created impression of Thatcher as the 'Iron Lady'

  • swinged public support towards her shows media can shape the image of leaders. determine their valence

Media and the expenses scandal:

• 2009- Daily telegraph used a freedom of information request to obtain records of MP's expenses

• Revealed wrongful claims and abuses of MP's Led to mistrust

• Shows- media can showcase gov faults and hold them to account by highlighting their abuses of power

Media and the EU:

• Press reporting against the EU- made it a more significant issue

  Linked EU to immigration- adopted by UKIP and put pressure for referendum

• Shows how media can help shape salient issues

Media and 'Bliar'

• BBC reporting of 'dodgy dossier', 'sexing up' the case for war in Iraq= political scandal

• and death of weapon inspector Dr David Kelly Fed impression of Blair as a liar and damaged

• rep= media can shape negative images of leaders