HST680   Media and Political Culture in Modern Britain   (15 credits)

Description

This module explores the ways in which the media have shaped and reflected political culture in Britain since 1945. Students will examine and assess the different political traditions of the press and the broadcast media which led to the former producing unapologetically partisan coverage and the latter striving for impartiality and balance. Themes to be studied include: political communication during general election campaigns; the reporting of industrial relations; the coverage of war and political violence; the increased scrutiny of the private lives of politicians; and the supposed decline of political reporting in favour of celebrity and entertainment content.

Reading List