1. Influences on Parliament – The Media

2. What is the Media Television Radio Newspapers Internet Can represent public opinion and influence public opinion All play a powerful role in bringing issues to the attention of the government Media can also be used by pressure groups to highlight their interest or cause

3. Examples - Newspaper Daily Mail – often run headlines on immigration or asylum issues to try and achieve tighter controls The Sun – consistently campaigns against what it sees as the growing influence of the EU on British life News of the World – Name and Shame campaign 2000 – following the murder of Sarah Payne by a paedophile, it published details of known paedophiles. This forced the government to take action because the population was becoming increasingly alarmed by the revelations and there was also the worry of people being harmed by the public – this resulted in a register of sex offenders and the promise of much closer supervision of those released into the community

4. Examples – Investigative Journalism Panorama (TV programme) – often draws attention to abuses or scandals Daily Telegraph – played an important part in bringing about reform of the MPs expenses rules when it published details in 2009 showing what expenses some MPs were claiming

5. Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Plays a powerful role in brining issues to the attention of Parliament or government and can force it to act – e.g. Daily Telegraph and MP expenses and News of the World and register of sex offenders Coverage in newspapers and television/radio can raise the public profile of an issue and add weight to public opinion – this makes the government feel pressured to make legislative reforms – government is ultimately answerable to the electorate and fears losing favour with the public as this could lead to defeat in an election Can help the success of pressure groups – e.g. Snowdrop campaign was publicised in the Daily Mail and television channels which helped them share their concerns with the government and the public Disadvantages Ownership of British newspapers and other branches of the media is in the hands of a relatively small number of individuals Newspapers often adopt views that reflect those of their owners – e.g. Rupert Murdoch who owns The Sun, The Times, the Sunday Times and Sky television – has used these to project his own views, particularly his strong opposition to the EU Concern about the link between the media and politicians – e.g. the appointment of Andy Coulson, former News of the World editor, as David Cameron’s director of communications in 2007 and the social contacts between David Cameron and Rebekah Brooks when she was editor of News of the World Newspapers are in business to make a profit and will publish material that will sell copies - have a tendency to create panics by drawing attention to and often exaggerating issues, such as activities of paedophiles. Media may sometimes whip up public opinion, which can result in unwise legislation – arguably the case with the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

6. Types of questions you could be asked Describe the influence of the media on Parliament (10 marks) Briefly discuss advantages and disadvantages of the influence of the media on Parliament (10 marks)

7. Answering Exam Questions Describe/Explain questions: Explain how the media influences law making – use examples of statutes (laws) created/reformed as a result of the media Evaluation questions: Explain why the particular point is an advantage or disadvantage Use evidence and examples of successes and failures