Voting and the Media Flashcards
How can broadcasters influence voters?
Bound by law to remain politically neutral.
They are supposed to offer no influence on voting behaviour.
Example of broadcasters influencing electors.
BBC has been accused of left-wing bias.
In the US, Fox News promotes a Pro Republican stance.
What are the impacts of party leadership debates?
Clegg had a very strong performance in the debates, and still lost vote share in 2010.
Boris Johnson did not wish to take part in the 2019 channel 4 debate, and requested that his father replaced him. He still won the election.
Which newspaper aided the win in 1992?
The Sun
‘the sun wot won it’
Which newspaper did Tony Blair manage to control?
The Sun
Give an example of a right wing newspaper.
The Daily Mail
What are the trends with the Newspapers?
Majority support the Conservatives.
Over 50% of all paper readers vote in line with their paper’s leanings.
Newspapers reflect viewers ideas, not influence.
The Sun has backed every winning party since 1979.
How does social media influence voters?
Used as a way of understanding public opinion.
Can spread fake news about politics.
What are the positives of using social media to campaign?
The young use social media, meaning that they are the most likely to see it. Similarly, it does mean that smaller parties have a better chance.
Should opinion polls be banned?
They can influence the way people vote.
Proven to be inaccurate.
Public opinion is constantly changing.
Should opinion polls remain?
By removing them, freedom of expression is infringed.
Can give valuable insight to public opinion.
When is an example of opinion polls being wrong?
2017, showed 5-12% lead but conservatives only ended up winning by 2%.
