Political Broadcasting in Britain: System, Ethos and Change

Abstract

Political broadcasting in Britain has developed slowly over the last 75 years, but enormous changes to the political environment have followed in its wake. Before the Second World War, political broadcasting was uncommon and broadcasting authorities were acutely cautious of it. When politicians did give radio talks or Parliament was reported, it was in a manner which was formal and correct. Its impact on popular engagement with politics was small. Since the 1960s, television political coverage has been much less cautious. There has been very much more of it, a great deal of which has proven lively, probing and irreverent. The major events of Parliaments and electoral campaigns have been played out before the viewing audience or even staged solely for their benefit. Television has come to represent the single most important means by which parties communicate with voters and voters gain an understanding of politics, offering a reach and potential impact greater than any other form of communication.