AC4.3 - Discuss how campaigns affect policymakers

What is a newspaper campaign?

Campaigns for change in law that are led by a national or local newspaper, using articles, headlines and public pressure to influence the government

Give exmaples of newspapers campaigns

Sarah’s law

Year and a day

What is an individual campaign?

Campaigns for change in the law that are led by one person usually a family member of close friend of the victim

Give examples of individual campaigns

Clares law

Ann Ming (Double jeopardy)

What is a pressure group campaign?

Campaigns for change that are led by an organised group

Give examples of pressure group campaigns

Protection Against Stalking

British Lung Foundation

Fathers 4 Justice

How does using front page help gain support?

-Helps to publicise the campaign

Eg. Ann was backed by the Northern Echo which drew in thousands of signatures for her petition

-Petition posted on front cover helps to gain attention

What are the strengths of using front page?

-Informs the public

-Gains lots of attention

-Helps frame as a real injustice

What are the weaknesses of front page?

-Not everyone sees it

-Lower readership, so less effective

Example of campaign that used front page help

Sarah’s Law

Ann Mings

How does contacting a MP help gain support?

-MPs help to publicise the law/ campaign

-Brings campaign to the attention of those with power to influence law

What are the strengths of contacting a MP?

Direct link to parliament allowing law to be changed

What are the weaknesses of contacting a MP?

Sometimes MPs don’t agree and so this lowers chance of campaign being successful

Example of campaign that contacted a MP for help

Clare’s Law

How does scientific research help gain support?

Shows public the real issue and statistics show people are suffering

What are the strengths of scientific research?

-Makes it a real issue

-Puts pressure on government

What are the weaknesses of scientific research?

People may not be bothered to read all the statistics

Give an example of a campaign that used scientific research

Smoking in cars (British Lung Foundation)

How does public stunts help to gain support?

Stunts helped reach a wider audience and gain attention, especially by those who are affected by the issue

What are the strengths of public stunts?

-Gains public attention

-Wider media coverage

What are the weaknesses of public stunts?

Could be seen as time wasting

Give an example of a campaign that used public stunts

Fathers 4 Justice