Print Media's influence on elections

How does the print media differ from television in terms of partisanship?

The print media is often openly partisan, with national newspapers typically supporting specific political stances.

What has been the historical influence of The Sun newspaper in elections since 1979?

The Sun has backed the party that has won the most seats in all elections since 1979.

What role do political parties play in relation to journalists?

Political parties recruit journalists to manage their communications and relations with the press.

Which political leader recruited Alastair Campbell, and what was his role?

Tony Blair recruited Alastair Campbell, who was a former political editor of the Daily Mirror.

What demographic is most likely to turn out in elections according to print media reach?

ABC1 voters and those over 65 are the most likely to turn out in elections.

What impact does pro-Conservative press ownership have on the Labour Party?

It makes Labour's path to power steeper and more challenging unless they adopt broadly Conservative policies.

How does the print media influence the agenda of television news?

The printed press agenda often leads on issues that television news follows, as seen in the coverage of the Dominic Cummings investigation.

What was the significance of the joint investigation by the Daily Mirror and Guardian in 2020?

It became a lead story across social media and broadcast media regarding Dominic Cummings breaking lockdown rules.

How has the print media adapted to the digital landscape?

Many print journalists now use social media to direct readers to stories in their publications.

What is the trend regarding the readership of print media?

The readership of print media is in serious decline, particularly among younger and working-class voters.

What is a major limitation of the print media's influence?

Its impact is largely restricted to amplifying or reinforcing existing opinions rather than generating new preferences.

Why do newspapers tend to follow the opinions of their readers?

Newspapers need to maintain their readership, which can lead to a bias in their reporting.

What is the public perception of tabloid journalism?

Tabloid journalism, particularly in papers like the Mirror or The Sun, is widely distrusted, limiting its influence.

What is the relationship between print media bias and its influence on voters?

While print media exhibits bias, it does not necessarily translate into real influence over voter preferences.

What challenge does the Labour Party face due to print media ownership?

The Labour Party faces challenges in gaining power due to the pro-Conservative bias of print media ownership.

What role does the print media play in shaping public opinion during elections?

The print media believes in its power to shape elections and public opinion through its coverage.

How much time did people spend looking at news online during the 2019 campaign?

56 minutes per week

What was the coverage of Corbyn like during the 2017 Election?

Scathing and sensationalist

What was the outcome for the Labour Party in the 2017 Election?

They outperformed all expectations

What happened to the Conservative Party in the 2017 Election?

They lost their majority

What factors contributed to the Labour Party's success in the 2017 Election?

Waning influence of print media and rise of social media

What has happened to the circulation of printed newspapers in the UK from 2010 to 2018?

It declined from 21.9 million to 10.4 million, a fall of 52.5%.

Which two newspapers remain the best-selling daily papers in the UK?

The Sun and the Daily Mail.

What significant change did the Independent newspaper make in 2016?

It ceased all print editions to become online only.

How many local newspapers shut down in the UK between 2005 and 2017?

238 local newspapers.

Which socioeconomic classes predominantly read The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph, and Financial Times?

Higher socioeconomic classes.

What percentage of those over 65 used printed newspapers as a news source?

50%.

What is the trend in newspaper readership among the 16 to 24 age category?

It dropped by 20% compared to older demographics.

What are the different business models adopted by major newspapers online?

The Times uses a paywall model; The Guardian asks for financial contributions; others like The Sun and Daily Mail use free content supported by advertisers.

How have newspapers adapted to the rise of social media?

They share stories on social media and use it to drive traffic to their online sites.

What major scandal affected public trust in the print media since 2011?

The phone-hacking scandal involving the News of the World.

What did the Leveson Report call for in 2012?

Stronger regulation of the press due to ethical concerns.

What percentage of media coverage was devoted to potential winners and losers in the 2015 UK election?

22.7%.

What is the 'bandwagon effect' in relation to polling?

It's when people adopt a minority view out of sympathy due to poll information.

What is tactical voting?

When voters choose candidates based on local relevance in closely contested constituencies.

What impact do opinion polls have on elections and referendums?

They can influence the outcomes they are supposed to measure.

What was the public reaction to the exit poll results in the 2015 British general election?

Shock and disbelief due to inaccurate polling expectations.

How did polling inaccuracies affect the Conservative campaign in 2015?

It led to a campaign that played on fears of a Labour-SNP coalition, influencing middle-class voter turnout.