Media

[polopony]

Hi there

As an A level media student, we get to choose the topic to focus our coursework on. Because I am very passionate about the countryside and fox hunting, I naturally wanted to do my work on the latter.
My teacher said that the question must be media based and came up with -
"How has the media successfully impacted on bringing about government policy, with a focus on fox hunting?"

I would really appreciate any of your opinions on how/if the media influenced the ban on hunting with hounds.

 

[AmyMay]

You are asking others to do your work for you - plus you are asking for anecdotal opinions.

The best thing you can do is research the national papers from that time, to see how the story was reported and developed. And how different the reporting was in the respective papers........

This will enable you to come to your own conclussion on not only how the media works, but if there was infact any impact on the outcome of the bill.

 

[Herne]

My teacher said that the question must be media based and came up with - "How has the media successfully impacted on bringing about government policy, with a focus on fox hunting?"

Your teacher needs to work on his or her literacy. That is appallingly worded.

 

[polopony]

I actually need opinions in my research, but if that's an unreasonable request, then no worries

 

[avthechav]

What about looking at articles before and after the hunting laws were brought in. Look at the number of positive press re hunting and negative press stories in set national papers across a sector of political backgrounds. Then decide whether there is a correlation between these 2 variables. Potentially you could carry out statistical tests on this so validate your conclusions. Remember though a correlation does not neccessarily imply a causal link

 

[Herne]

I actually need opinions in my research, but if that's an unreasonable request, then no worries

Fair enough - and I don't mind giving you an opinion or two to help out.

However, my first opinion is still that your teacher has given you a poorly worded topic.

For a start, it begs the question "Was the media trying to affect ("impact upon bringing about" - ye gods!) Government Policy", because if it wasn't then you will have nothing to write about on the topic you've been given...

 

[JanetGeorge]

However, my first opinion is still that your teacher has given you a poorly worded topic.

For a start, it begs the question "Was the media trying to affect ("impact upon bringing about" - ye gods!) Government Policy", because if it wasn't then you will have nothing to write about on the topic you've been given...

Herne is absolutely right. Does your teacher actually think the media cares two hoots about Government policy (unless it regards legislation to control the media!) The media cares about circulation - and it gives its 'natural' readers what they want! So the Telegraph is very receptive to good news stories relating to hunting - although always makes sure these stories have legs! The Mirror loves anti-hunting stuff, ladles it out by the shoveful, and care nothing aout its accuracy! The Sun only cares if it involves sex. The Times tends to be 'balanced' - and The Guardian is morally opposed to hunting - but struggles to be intellectually opposed!

And where hunting is concerned, I would state confidently that the media had NO influence on Government policy.