What makes a political party successful?

3 factors that influence party success

1. The strength of a party’s leadership

2. The extent to which parties are united between different factions

3. The party image in the media

Strength of a party’s leadership: explained

The electorate tend to respond positively to party leaders who demonstrate a clear sense of direction and can unite the party.

Why is a free media vital for a healthy democracy?

Plays an essential role in holding governments to account. → Especially important in times with weak parliamentary opposition, as it was for much of the New Labour Era.

What are 3 concerns over the role of the media?

1. They present unduly simplified interpretations of political issues

2. Focus excessively on personalities rather than policies

3. Newspaper owners aim to make money, the infusion of entertainment with information is a potential threat. → Can’t be held to account like politicians can be!

What happened in the 2011 phone hacking scandal?

News of the World shuft down after its employees had been involved in illegal information gathering to create stories, mainly through hacking people’s voicemails.

Led to the creation of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)

What does IPSO do and who funds it?

It protects the public and freedom of expression by upholding high editorial standards, a mark of credible and accountable journalism

Funded by the publishers it regulates.

Just 1.7% of all claims recieved were investigated in 2020 - ineffective??