Influence of the media

STARTER Sort the following newspapers and their headlines into either quality or popular Quality newspaper- A newspaper which is factual, informative, typically a broadsheet, that is considered to deal seriously with issues and to have high editorial standards. Popular- Typically a smaller newspaper in size than that of a broadsheet. Sensationalist stories usually on celebrities, crime or astrology

I can… We are learning to… Define the role of the media Describe the influence the media can have on the democratic process. I can… Describe the role of the media Explain how the democracy can be influenced by the media.

The media The ‘old’ media: Newspapers and television Scotland has a strong, independent media history separate from the rest of the UK with different newspaper titles, television and radio channels. The media’s role is to inform the Scottish public on important issues that affect the people of Scotland whether these issues are local, national or international. The ‘old’ media: Newspapers and television The ‘new’ media: Social networking sites such as Facebook, twitter, Instagram etc.

Newspaper Many people in Scotland get their political news from newspapers but in recent years people are more likely to use the internet as a way to find out information. Thousands of newspapers are sold every day and many people read a newspaper online. In Scotland the most widely read popular newspapers are the Scottish Sun and the Daily Record. The most widely read 'quality' newspapers are The Herald and the Scotsman.

Newspaper Bias Staying within the law newspapers can print more or less what they like. This means different newspapers can choose to report the news in different ways. In their choice of stories, pictures and headlines, newspapers can take a one-sided approach to news reporting- they can show bias At the time of an election, newspapers are often very clear as to which political party they support urging their readers to vote for one political party of another. This does not mean that all voters are persuaded by the newspaper they read. Many people buy a newspaper for other reasons, i.e sport. Or they are simply not influenced by what they read.

Influence on the Government- newspapers This means that newspapers have a wide public readership with some newspapers reaching millions of homes and the government may feel that they have to respond to negative publicity. The high engagement of the public in the 2014 independence referendum and the fear that this would result in a YES vote, is one reason that parties came together to VOW more powers to the Scottish devolved government following a No vote. This has resulted in Scotland having more tax powers than before the referendum showing the impact that newspapers can have on the government. For example, on the run up to the 2014 Independence referendum, newspapers were predicting a Yes vote and this led the No campaign parties to pledge the VOW to allow and agree with the Scottish government to give greater powers to Scotland.

Influence on the Government- newspapers For example: For instance, in 2012, the Daily Record launched a campaign to publicise the cost to the taxpayers of methadone, a drug used for people trying to tackle addiction to heroin. The paper claimed the SNP government were not keeping enough data on whether the replacement drug was working or not. As a result of pressure from the newspaper, Parliament debated the issue and the Government were forced into ordering a probe into the effectiveness of methadone treatment. For example: The SNP spent more on its Scottish Parliament election campaign than the Scottish Tories and Scottish Labour combined. According to new figures released by the Electoral Commission, the SNP spent £1.4 Billion on their election campaign. The figures show it spent £17,136 on advertisements in The Sun alone. This clearly paid off as they won the most seats in the 2016 SP election

Television and radio In surveys, most people claim to get their political news from television. Hourly news bulletins, 24 hour news channels, interactive news services via the ‘red button’, etc. Meaning political discussion is broadcast into most households on a daily basis. For this reason, television is seen as an important influence on the democratic process Television and radio news reporting is different from newspapers as the law requires television news to be fair and balanced. Television companies are expected to report the facts and to be balanced in their analysis. Different representatives from different political parties are each expected to be allowed to give their views on important issues.

What are Party Political Broadcasts? PPBs are the one exception where television can be biased. They are shown throughout the year but more importantly in the weeks leading up to an election, political parties are given the opportunity to put their opinions/policies across to voters. Note: 1. the more support a party attracts in elections, the greater the number of PPBs it will be allowed to show. 2. Parties often spend thousands of pounds making slick PPBs which reflects the importance parties give to the TV media. While watching the following PPBs take notes on the following: Who is delivering the campaign message? Is there anything persuasive about these campaigns? What major policies are the parties speaking of? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq1_KAiXXnQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcTBPuPHv-8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD1dol1518U

Although TV media has to be balanced in its reporting, it can still influence goings on in Scotland. By choosing to investigate or report certain stories, they may force the Government to act in response. They also hold the Parliament and Government to account as politicians regularly appear in TV interviews accounting for their actions For example; In 2018, Nicola Sturgeon appeared on Channel 4 news talking about the prospect of a second independence referendum. When questioned about the costs of an independent Scotland the First Minister could not give a definitive answer. This ultimately was an interview broadcast to every television nationally and paints the First Minister in a negative light. It was referred to by the press as a “car crash” interview. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/971508/Nicola-Sturgeon-SNP-Scottish-independence-referendum-vote-result-Channel-4-News

Online Increasingly people in Scotland are switching to the internet as a source of information, especially social media. As the internet allows almost anyone to post almost anything they choose, some information is not accurate. On social media platforms the rise of ‘fake news’ is of significant importance. Remember on the internet ANYONE can alter a source or post an article which may not be reliable. Some voters are influenced by material which is not even remotely true! This signifies the importance of reliability.

Influence on the Gov- Social media: twitter The internet does allow people almost unlimited access to information which means people are better informed than ever before. For political parties in Scotland, being online offers the chance to connect directly with voters. Many politicians/parties now use Facebook and Twitter as a way of reaching their voters. This is also a very useful way for political campaign groups to discuss, debate share ideas, graphics and video clips- been popular with attracting and influencing younger voters.

For example: In the run up the referendum on Scottish independence on 18th September 2014, both the ‘Yes Scotland’ (pro-independence) and ‘Better Together’ (anti-independence) campaigned heavily on Twitter, in a bid to gain votes.

Influence on the Gov- Social media campaigns Social media can attract millions of people to support a cause. If an online petition can attract a significant amount of signatures and show public support, united through social media. Then the government may feel compelled to act in the interests of the public. For example, an online petition gained support through Social Media, it was used to generate support to oppose the closure of the One Stop shop autistic facility in Motherwell and force the Scottish government to provide additional funds. This was not successful but did highlight the issue and instigated the Scottish government to provide funds for other autistic support in the community.

Homework- 29th October Explain, in detail, the ways in which one of the following can influence the government: Pressure Groups, Trade Unions or The Media. You should give a maximum of three reasons in your answer. 8