4 Voting behaviour

Question 1

P1 point topic

Answer 1

the media plays a significant role in influencing voters and their behavuour

Question 2

P1a point

Answer 2

Newspapers often endorse parties, potentially swaying millions of readers.

Question 3

P1 evid

Answer 3

1. The Conservative victories (2010–2019) were supported by most major newspapers; in contrast, the 2024 election saw Labour win after gaining support from outlets like The Sun and Financial Times.
2. 7 million people read newspapers daily, and older voters, who are more likely to vote, typically rely on newspapers for political information.

Question 4

P1a point

Answer 4

TV debates heavily influence voter perceptions.

Question 5

P1a evidence

Answer 5

Theresa May’s absence from a head-to-head debate in 2017 weakened her public image.

Question 6

p1b point

Answer 6

Viral moments on social media shape public narratives

Question 7

p1b eveidence

Answer 7

Jacob Rees-Mogg’s Grenfell comments in 2019 and Rishi Sunak leaving D-Day commemorations in 2024 harmed the Conservatives’ image online.

Question 8

CP1 direct point

Answer 8

Media’s influence is limited by entrenched voter loyalties and selective exposure.

Question 9

CP1a point

Answer 9

Many voters consume media aligned with their pre-existing views, reinforcing rather than changing opinions.

Question 10

CP1a evidence

Answer 10

Despite The Sun (30%) and FT (39%) readers voted
for the Labour Partybacking Conservatives in 2017, a significant percentage of their readers voted Labour. YouGov revealed.

Question 11

CP1b point

Answer 11

Polling indicates that partisan media endorsements don’t guarantee voter alignment.

Question 12

CP1b evidence

Answer 12

In 2024, 52% of Daily Mail readers intended to vote Labour despite the paper’s Conservative leanings.

Question 13

P1 overall judgement

Answer 13

While the media can shape election narratives and amplify moments, its influence is tempered by voter loyalty and selective consumption

Overall, the media without doubt plays an important role in election campaigns, especially since
the advent of TV debates in the 2010 election. The influence of the media in elections is
exaggerated, though, as the media voters consume doesn’t simply determine how they vote as
is often suggested. Instead, they make up their own mind and sometimes don’t vote according
to the views of the media they consume.

Question 14

P2 direct point

Answer 14

Significant Influence of the Media in Holding the Government to Account - The media’s crucial role in scrutiny.

Question 15

P2a point

Answer 15

Investigative reporting has exposed major scandals, forcing political accountability

Question 16

P2a evidence

Answer 16

Partygate coverage 2021 contributed to Boris Johnson’s downfall. through receiving leaks and exposing different parts of the story gradually in order to cause maximum damage to them government and expose them

Question 17

P2b point

Answer 17

During COVID-19, the media played an opposition-like role when Parliament was less active.

Question 18

P2b evudence

Answer 18

Media in 2020 like Sky News scrutiny during daily briefings challenged government policies.

Question 19

p2c point

Answer 19

Pressure groups and public opinion rely on media platforms (act as a vehicle) to influence policy to influence gov.

Question 20

p2c evidence

Answer 20

Coverage of the Post Office Horizon scandal led to improved compensation schemes for victims.
- exposing wrongful convictions due to flawed software, gained public attention in 2024 through ITV and BBC investigations, emphasizing the media’s role in holding politicians accountable.

Question 21

CP2 direct point

Answer 21

Parliament and other institutions limit the media’s role.

Question 22

cp2a point

Answer 22

Political programmes often provide platforms for politicians rather than directly scrutinising governments.

Question 23

cp2a evidence

Answer 23

Question Time, a weekly political programme on the BBC, which includes on its panel politicians from different political parties.

Question 24

cp1b point

Answer 24

Governments manipulate media narratives to maintain control.

Question 25

cp1b evidence

Answer 25

Suella Braverman’s selective engagement with right-wing outlets during her Rwanda visit in 2023 showcased government efforts to avoid critical coverage. like daily mail content. The Daily Mail
ran with a supportive headline like “Braverman’s Bold Step for a Safer Britain,” whereas
The Guardian, which had to rely on second-hand sources, published more critical takes,
such as “Rwanda Plan: A Blow to Refugee Rights?”

Question 26

p2 overall judgement

Answer 26

While the media is vital in exposing scandals and shaping public discourse, its effectiveness can be constrained by governmental controls and public apathy.

Overall, the influence of the media in holding the government to account in between elections
isn’t exaggerated. The media, in particular TV and the radio, plays a crucial role in holding the
government to account and played a vital role in bringing down both Boris Johnson and Liz
Truss.

Question 27

conclusion

Answer 27

The media’s influence on voting behavior in the UK is often exaggerated, as many individuals do not vote based on the media they consume.
The media’s role in holding governments accountable and exposing scandals is significant, but newspapers can also undermine democracy due to bias and self-interest.