Broadcasting in politics How are they regulated? What has become important in broadcasting? Are these important in determining electoral outcomes?

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There are four content areas in UK Politics:
1. Democracy and participation
2. Political parties
3. Electoral systems
4. Voting behaviour and the media.

1. Broadcasting in politics How are they regulated? What has become important in broadcasting? Are these important in determining electoral outcomes?

All broadcasters in the UK are bound by law to remain neutral and to offer balanced reporting of election and referendum campaigns - This means they have no intentional influence on voting behaviour - BBC has been accused of left-wing bias, nothing has been substantiated - This is in contrast with the USA where networks are allowed to be politically bias, Fox News in particular is well known for its pro-Republican bias and its major influence on US politics - Televised debates have now become important features of elections - The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have all hosted such debates under the scrutiny of the Electoral Commission - Unclear as to if these influence electoral outcomes - Nick Clegg came had an impressive performance in the 2010 debates yet saw a decline in his party's share of the popular vote - Cameron refused to debate in 2015 yet won the election
Ministers are collectively responsible for government policies - However, each minister is also individually responsible for matters that affect his or her department separetly - Ministers are individually responsible for their own performance as a minister and their conduct as an individual Features of the prinicple: 1. Ministers must be prepared to be accountable to Parliament for the policies and decisions made by their department. This means answering questions in the House and facing interrogation by select committees 2. If a minister makes a serious error of judgement, he or she should be expected to resign 3. If a serious error was made by a minister's department, whether or not the minister was involved in the cause of the error, they are expected to resign 4. If the conduct of a minister falls below the standards required, they should leave office and may face dismissal by the PM regardless
Why was it introduced? - When the coalition government formed in 2010, there was worry that it would be unstable and not last - If the 2 parties conflicted, they would be easily defeated by Parliament in calling for a GE - In addition, as the PM has the conventional power to call for a GE, there was worry that the LDs would be bullied under threat of another election What did it change? - To avoid this, the Fixed Terms Parliament Act 2011 was introduced, it meant that there could be disagreement within government without the danger of it falling apart - Act also removed the power of the PM to call a GE whenever they wished, thus allowing them to consolidate power when in a 'popular phase' What can still occur? - An early election can only occur if the government passes a motion for another election with a 2/3 majority or a vote of no confidence occurs - However, as Thresea May did in 2017, the government can still announce such an election and likely achieve the 2/3 majority needed as the opposition would appear weak in avoiding an election
Arguably too early to be conclusive, it may take a generation before a compreshensive judgement can be reached - It was assumed that greater devolution would stifle nationalism -> in Scotland this certianly has not happened and it is even greater than it was Positive indications: - The UK has not broken up - The peace has been largely held in Northern Ireland - There remains widespread public support in all 3 countries for devolution, no proposals have been made against it - It has made some decisive differences Negative indications: - Scottish nationalism is endangering the UK - Turnouts in elections to devolved assemblies have been low, suggesting political apathy - The introduction of PR systems has inhibited decisive government in the 3 countries - The 3 countries still have to receive a subsidy from the Treasury to maintain their services (the Barnett formula), meaning they are not fully supporting

Broadcasting in politics How are they regulated? What has become important in broadcasting? Are these important in determining electoral outcomes?

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Broadcasting in politics How are they regulated? What has become important in broadcasting? Are these important in determining electoral outcomes?

❤ If you liked Fatskills, consider supporting us by checking out The Life Manuals You Never Got.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know? Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson© 2026 Fatskills.com

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

About | Explore | User Guide | Topics | Subjects | Doubt Solver | Career Aptitude Test | Answers | Free Tools | What Should We Know?
Privacy | Terms |

Without work one finishes nothing. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
© 2026 Fatskills.com