The Mediatization of Politics in Western Democracies

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This growing influence of the mass media and changes in communication has led to the subordination of the power of other influential institutions in society. “This process is referred to as “mediatisation” and as a result of mediatisation institutions in society and society as a whole is shaped by and ultimately dependent on the mass media” (Mazzoleni and Schulz 1999: 247 – 261). This ultimately means a “media logic” has formed. In relation to politics the theory of mediatisation is extremely relevant as it is argued that the media shapes political campaigns and political figures. However others argue that the theory of mediatisation and the media has no influence over politics nor does it shape politics. Also that politics remains in control of political processes and functions. In this essay I plan to delve into these arguments to then come up with a conclusion to answer the question of whether there has actually been a “mediatisation” of politics. The first aspect of the mediatisation of politics is the degree to which the media constitutes to be the dominant source of information and channel of political information. This raises the question on whether the media is the main source of information for politics in society. The mass media in politics plays an important role in campaign strategies, communications and opinion polling. An election campaign involves many activities such as speeches, rallies, and press conferences and so on. It is the media which covers these activities and ultimately which political party is winning. This constant coverage of political affairs in the media shows that the media is the main source of communication for politicians in order for the public to find out what is happening in relation to po... ... middle of paper ... ...rketing of Politics Oxford: Blackwells (Chapter 10) Lilleker, D., 2008, Key Concepts in Political Communications. SAGE London Negrine, R. (1996) Communication in the Future of Democracy, Cambridge: University Press Neil T Gavin (2009) Addressing climate change: a media perspective Environmental Politics, 18(5), 765-780 Plasser, F. And Plasser, G. (2002) Global political campaigning: a worldwide analysis of campaigning professionals and their practices_ Praeger Scammel, M. (1995) Designer Politics Basing stoke: Macmillian. (Chapter 8) Web referencing Gordon Brown: I will continue to use YouTube: PM says he will continue using YouTube because it is 'one of the most important mediums' after Tory MP Bill Cash congratulates Brown on his 'comedy turn' accessed 21 Nov. 2012 at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/apr/29/gordon-brown-youtube-video

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