ETV the media has a significant impact on UK politics

Paragraph themes

1. Holds gov accountable vs doesn’t force consequences

2. Influence over agenda/policy vs limited influence

3. Influence on election results vs limited influence

Holds gov to account - evidence

• Partygate (2021-22) - media coverage of lockdown rule breaking

  • Caused public outrage led to fines and resignations - contributed to Johnson’s resignation

• Angela Rayner forced to resign due to media investigation into tax avoidance (2025)

Hold gov accountable - analysis

Media exposure and investigative journalism can be a catalyst for political accountability

Increasing public awareness triggers investigations, resignations and electoral pressures

Not enforceable - evidence

• Matt Hancock WhatsApp leaks (2023)

  • Caused intense media attention but lacked long term political consequences

• PM Starmer avoided accountability for Mandelson scandal (2026) - not yet forced to resign despite media criticism

Not enforceable - analysis

Media scrutiny is not always sufficient alone at ensuring accountability

Political actors can avoid consequence of negative coverage if they retain party backing, avoid sustained public outrage or distract attention with competing issues

Influence over agenda/policy - evidence

• Post-office scandal - sustained press coverage for 10+ years - Public Inquiry and end to all convictions

  • Investigative journalism by BBC, Newsnight and Private Eye

  • ITV Drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office”

• Toxic masculinity and online safety - ban phones in schools (2026)

  • Netflix Adolescence (2025)

  • Louis Theroux Into the Manosphere

Influence on agenda and policy - analysis

Media determines which issues dominate political discussion by repeatedly highlighting certain topics.

Strongly influences what the public think about issues.

Leads to pressure on government to respond.

Limited influence on media and policy - evidence

• Israel-Palestine Conflict (ongoing) largely ignored by government - continued close ties with Israel

• Rwanda Scheme (2022-24) public public pressure but ignored by Conservative government

• NFU protests (2025) - largely ignored by Labour government - inheritance tax remains

Limited influence on agenda and policy - analysis

Media agenda setting is limited by extent of public concern and priority of political elites.

High levels of coverage doesn’t always translate to policy change if governments have competing issues, ideological constraints or lack electoral incentives to act.

Influence over elections - evidence

• 2022 Daily Star undermined confidence in Conservatives - Liz Truss vs Lettuce campaign

• 2017-29 leadership coverage - “Don’t Chuck Britain in the Cor-bin”

Influence over elections - analysis

Media has great influence over public perceptions leaders, narratives and key issues.

Especially true for uninformed voters who rely on media cues.

Limited influence on elections - evidence

• 2017 election campaign - Labour won 40% of vote despite harsh coverage

• 2019 Reuters Institute Study - low engagement with online news among voters

Limited influence on elections - analysis

Media is not determining factor in elections

Elections may be more influenced by partisanship, leadership appeal and campaigning.

Limited effects theory - media merely reinforces existing political views rather than changing them.