Representation of Political Scandals in the Media

Representation of Political Scandals in the Media Political Scandals Interim Submission The question that I have chosen to answer for my essay is: ‘How fair and balanced has the coverage of political scandals been in the British media?’ By selecting this question I can explore the different political affiliations in the British press during times of scandal and how each news media reported on it depending on their relationship with the political party at the centre of the controversy. Firstly, to begin my essay I will provide some background information on how the press functions in UK politics for which I have conducted some research on for the interim submission using the chapter titled Judging the Media: Impartiality and Broadcasting in the book Politics and the Media Harlots and Prerogatives at the Turn of the Millennium (chapter written by Eric Barendt and edited by Jean Seaton). I have found that it is common knowledge that UK newspapers are, of course, free to support whichever party its editor or proprietor, chooses, and to take sides on political issues. With this power they are not expected to be impartial or balanced in their coverage of contentious political matters such as General Elections and political scandals. For example, The Sun itself claimed credit for the surprise victory of the Conservatives in the General Election of 1992 with the notorious front-page headline Its The Sun Wot Won It on Saturday 11 April 1992, according to John Curtice in hi s research piece: Was it the Sun wot won it again? The influence of newspapers in the 1997 election campaign (http://www.crest.ox.ac.uk/papers/p75.pdf). Because of this ahead of the 1997 election, Tony Blair in opposition assiduously courted Rupert Murdoch and the editors of his newspapers. It is unlikely that the Labour majority in 1997 would have been so large, had the Sun not decided to support it six weeks before polling day. These freedoms are essential aspects of the traditional British understanding of ‘press freedom’, also constitutionally guaranteed in many other nations including the USA by the First Amendment (http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_amendment). To show that I know what I am writing about and avoid misinterpretations by settling on a single understanding of key terms I will define terms such as: ‘fair’, ‘balanced’ ‘media’, ‘power’ ‘popular’, ‘success’, ‘failure’, ‘disaster’ and of course ‘scandal’. Defining terms ensures that I am talking about the same things as the reader. For example, I could define ‘fruit salad’ as containing, pineapples, yellow apples and bananas. By doing this, the reader will not object when I later write that fruit salad has vital red deficiencies. By defining ‘power’, I would demonstrate that I am aware of other interpretations of the term. It will actually often not be essential to state what the other explanations are, except if the distinction is an essential aspect of the argument. I will be structuring my essay chronologically covering seven scandals over a ninety-one year period in Politics from the Marconi scandal in the summer of 1912 to the Iraq War and the apparent suicide of Dr. David Kelly in July 2003. Furthermore, one of the scandals I will be researching will be an overseas scandal: the Lewinsky scandal, which involved former US president Bill Clinton. I will use the scandal for comparison with the John Profumo sex scandal. In addition, I am going to use a wide range of sources for the essay including: books, newspaper articles, journals, academic research and blogs. All these historical scandals have their own historiography. I will look at the way that they have been written in the press over time (during the scandals and during the present day), the occasional conflicting objectives pursued by journalists and academics on them over time, and the way in which such details form peoples understanding of the scandals. These different sources are important because they will help me: To gather information so that I can develop and enhance on my own political knowledge and understanding of particular scandals and how they were reported in the British media. To identify, build and support arguments or research in the essay which will help demonstrate the understandings that I have acquired. I have listed the scandals that I will be covering, the scope of research that I have conducted for them, the different sources that I have referred to for my research and a provisional list of sources that I plan to use in the final essay below. Moreover, I have included a rough word count for each scandal. THE MARCONI SCANDAL 1912 Centered around allegations that members of the Liberal Government, under Herbert Asquith’s premiership, had profited by inappropriate use of information about the Governments plans with respect to theMarconi Company: knowing that the government was about to issue a lucrative contract to the British Marconi company for theImperial Wireless Chain, they had bought shares in an American subsidiary. The allegations included the fact that Isaacs brother,Godfrey Isaacs, was managing director of the Marconi company. Although the political repercussions were in fact minor, theNew Witnessdrew conclusions about fraud in British politics. SUEZ CRISIS 1956 Anthony Eden becomes Prime Minister in 1955 high sense of optimism. Hailsham – ‘a real post-war government, led by a PM who represented contemporary manhood, rather than the pre-First World War generation.’ Optimism about: progressive ideas in domestic affairs, his belief in property owning democracy and industrial partnership. However, all Eden’s career had been foreign affairs and not domestic politics. Ironically his downfall was foreign affairs Suez Crisis. Ends in disaster, military operation called off in humiliating circumstances as Britain withdraws due to American pressure due to economic reasons. Outcomes: Political crisis – Eden seemed weak, lost in a policy he was supposed to be the master of. Came under heavy attack from Labour in parliament and sections of national press e.g. Manchester Guardian. By lying to Parliament about collusion with France and Israel, Eden had tarnished his image and prestige. Chancellor Harold Macmillan leading the campaign with Eden’s cabinet for Britain to abort Suez. Demise of Eden – never recovered from Suez (though resigns due to poor health in 1957). Replaced by Macmillan. PROFUMO AFFAIR 1963 Scandal which was a personal disaster for Harold Macmillan. Given sensational treatment by the press. Political impact of the affair was actually short lived but the image of Macmillan as old and out of touch was reinforced. Significance: Ideal excuse for press to go after every detail Press became less deferential, more intrusive previous tactics used by government to prevent publication of sensitive or embarrassing information no longer worked. Booker – â€Å"after years of uneasy indulgence, the people were restless and dissatisfiedwild rumours of strange and wild happenings in the country villas, of orgies and philandering..brought the capital into a frenzy of speculation and contempt aroused by the Government in the hearts of the great mass of the people† LEWINSKY SCANDAL 1998 (USA) [COMPARISON] 1995—Monica Lewinsky hired as a White House intern. Series of 10 sexual encounters. Kenneth Starr investigates. Michael Isikoff, Newsweek reporter, investigates, but magazine delays publishing. First public report of the scandal seen on Drudge Report. Clinton denies allegations. Extremely detailed Starr Report released. Lewinsky allegations dismissed in Paula Jones case, but coverage is still pervasive. Rumors circulate on the internet. 24/7 cable news networks. Decline of gatekeeping sensationalist journalism. Salience and dumbed-down news. Pressure on news outlets to report on rumors. Public’s â€Å"right to know†? Drawing the line between news and drama/entertainment. JOHN MAJOR AND SLEAZE 1990s Growing internal divisions in the Conservative Party after 1992 Major – an ‘unlucky PM’? Exhausting battles began to drown out the positive achievements in a sea of party infighting and political setbacks. Between Black Wednesday and the 1997 election, Major suffered a slow political death. Major’s tribulations can be summed up as: Easy target for satirists and cartoonists: Private Eye, Rory Bremner, Spitting Image’s grey man. None of this Satire vicious and Major remained personally more popular than his party, but the image of Major as a well-meaning but bumbling and inadequate leader stuck to him. Blatant actions by anti-Europe elements in own party 1993 Maastricht Treaty was initially blocked by rebel MP’s. Major won the vote in the end but authority was damaged. â€Å"Do we want 3 more of the bastards† accidentally recorded press, e.g. Daily Mail, speculating as to whom Major was referring to speculation as to whether a leadership challenge would occur. It did not but the threat was damaging enough. Major tried to reshuffle his cabinet in 1994 with little impact. Press speculation continued about possible challengers for leadership from disaffected cabinet members 1995 Major called for leadership election so that he could be re-elected to do his own job (Back me or sack me). Sleaze – press coverage key here: sensationalist and intrusive and a contrast with Major’s ‘Back to Basics’ campaign 1993 (call for return to traditional moral values). Examples include Yeo and Mellor (sex scandal, resigned), Scott Enquiry 1994 (illegal selling of arms investigation, Tory’s ‘economical with truth’), Archer and Aitken (perjury). Major became easy target, respect declined – gave press fuel. Sleaze similar impact as Profumo Affair on Macmillan 1962. Seen as out of touch, untrustworthy, too preoccupied with own traumas than those of Britain in comparison to a reinvigorated Labour. Further press and opposition hostility due to ammunition – easy target. Sleaze ran all way to 1997 election – factor in Labour’s 1997 victory? POLITICAL IMPACT OF IRAQ/ DEATH OF DR. DAVID KELLY 2003 Iraq War and Blair-Bush relationship is argued to be the defining issue of Blair’s second term. Blair had to fight two wars over Iraq one against Saddam Hussein one to win over political and public opinion at home Media: initially supportive. Continually supportive of â€Å"our lads† but not of the governments/countries who led Britain into Iraq. Method: Intelligence dossier on weapons of mass destruction idea Hussein had biological and nuclear weapons. Failed to convince those who though WMD had been exaggerated/overrated. Questions over why Alastair Campbell played such a large role in drafting dossier – ‘sexed up dossier’ (Gilligan, 2003) to exaggerate the threat from Saddam and that it was intended for political purposes. Accusations dossier was about political presentation rather than hard evidence. Impact of WMD: No WMD were found. Death of Dr. David Kelly (weapons expert at MoD) further damaged the governments reputation as the case dominated the national news, rocked the government, and put the doubt into the British public’s mind about whether this dossier had indeed been exaggerated. The role of critical and sensationalist press had a profound effect Lord Hutton’s Enquiry– absolved the government from blame and criticised the BBC but the damage was done.

Explain the importance of safeguarding children and young people Essay

We must safeguard children and young people as they are unable to protect themselves alone and are far more vulnerable to things such as abuse and neglect than adults are. It is our duty of care to protect children and young people from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse and neglect. We must be able to identify early on the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect before the child is to get in any serious danger. A child’s sudden change in behaviour could be a huge sign of abuse or neglect. For example if a child is to be subject to verbal abuse they may gradually become withdrawn and shy; they may even avoid interacting with other children in fear of being bullied for their differences. We are able to teach children what is right and wrong to a certain degree although this doesn’t necessarily mean they can protect themselves if they are to be in a dangerous situation; they may be frightened to tell someone in fear of being abused/neglected more o r may think the person they tell will not believe them. It is of great importance that we are to safeguard children as they are very vulnerable and as a society it is our duty of care to protect children and young people from any harm or abuse before it ends in serious/fatal injury. A child could be severely beaten up until the point of death or admitted into hospital for a long time due to having obtained serious injury. If we are to notice signs of abuse or neglect we should get into contact with other multi-agency workers such as police and social workers immediately.

Choosing Most Meaning Essay Samples Is Simple

Choosing Most Meaning Essay Samples Is Simple Aldous Huxley, a major essayist, gives guidance on the topic. Some gains the instant you need to have essays from. It actually is quite a small perform that expresses the writer's individual viewpoint for a specific topic. Some consider essay writing a burden even though others see it like a chance to share their ideas and opinions. Regardless of the fact your dissertation really ought to carry your very own personal major idea, you will also plan to mention the minds a range of freelance writers about the matter. Subsequently, essay was defined in various ways. An argumentative essay presents either side of a problem. Though the conclusion paragraph comes at the conclusion of your essay it shouldn't be regarded as an afterthought. The Argument About Sequence Essay On-line You can create a purchase at any instant you will need. Conclusion essay crafting format is only a cardstock 1. How to end an essay to receive a high score Even though it can seem that conclusion isn't a very significant part your paper, you might still lose precious points if you don't do it right. How to end an essay might be a tricky question, particularly if your academic grade is dependent on the paper you're working on. There's no ideal solution on how best to compose an effective essay. Everything you have to do is going to be to get essays from my masters which usually means you won't ever previously must recognize of a standard retake or maybe class! Vital Pieces of Most Meaning Essay Samples An assortment of individuals have begun marketing and advertising put to use equipment on the internet getting the most out of Etsy so I made a determination to glance it a good deal more than. Knowing all these easy but useful tips can save you from making the most typical mistakes and will enhance the caliber of your essay significantly. Just take a look right here if you're researching diverse strategies to produce money utilizing the web. Sure, you'll find plenty of essay conclusion examples on the net, but in case you really wish to ace the ending of your paper, you should invest a little time and effort into attempting to comprehend what features make the last portion of any paper worth reading. What the In-Crowd Won't Tell You About Most Meaning Essay Samples A descriptive essay presents an individual, place, or thing, in a manner that readers feel like it's in front of their eyes, or they are tasting it, or they can hear this, or they can smell it. After a shape appeared, it is necessary to fill in the important job places. Your dissertation theme ought to allow you to totally focus your search on worries that will be comprehensively protected and have to contribute new awareness for the work of study. Most Meaning Essay Samples and Most Meaning Essay Samples - The Perfect Combination It's going to be assessed dependent on standards detailed within t his rubric. So, you could be assured your school assignment support may be supplied by way of a pro. If it regards this sort of essay, it ought to be noted that it is fairly helpful for any student on any amount of education. Free response essays are an essential part of the ap biology curriculum in reality, you will have 4 completely free response questions on the ap exam at the close of the year. What You Should Do to Find Out About Most Meaning Essay Samples Before You're Left Behind Now once you know what a synthesis essay is that can begin working on it! Numerous alternative logical structures for essays are visualized as diagrams, making them simple to implement or adapt in the building of an argument. To learn to compose a synthesis essay you always need to follow its accepted structure. If you wish to understand the basis of the assignment, you have to get acquainted with synthesis essay definition. Most Meaning Essay Samples at a Glance In the early phases, it's mu ch better to employ essays. At our essay support, essays are always delivered in a brief moment. As a result, if you'd want to find essay on-line tend not to be scared to speak to us. An essay is a brief work of nonfiction. A financial essay can begin with a thesis, or it may begin with a theme. To be able to correctly and accurately compose an essay, you should seriously approach this situation. Regulation essay on the internet is to work to be an exact inexpensive essay internet with jobs77. All things considered, essays conclusion examples mentioned previously should offer you a bit of inspiration for your own paper. Where to Find Most Meaning Essay Samples The conclusion of essay, that's the previous part, should become your opportunity to earn your readers understand the entire point of your topic. Our article writing aid on-line product will certainly turn into the exemplary solution for your benefit. This kind of essay is directed at telling a story about a particular event in an individual's life. When it regards an expository essay, bear in mind that it's aimed at an estimation of the subject from your perspective. Ok, I Think I Understand Most Meaning Essay Samples, Now Tell Me Abou t Most Meaning Essay Samples! Many assignments must be written in the shape of an essay some students prefer to compose the introduction for an early stage, others save it. Students are requested to explain, comment on, or assess a subject of study in the shape of an essay. They have to write essays depending on the teacher's instructions or their desired style in writing.

Tim OBrians How to Tell a True War Story of the Things...

The Tim O’Brian’s short story, â€Å"Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong†, Mary Anne Bell is a rare illustration of the innocence that is lost. In her attractive sweater, unblemished pants and free spirited attitude, no one could seem more faultless. She was the definition of a true young American teenager or at least that’s what they all assumed at first. In the beginning of the story, she is something noticeable to both the soldiers and the reader: she was expected to be a normal American girl who wanted nothing more than a family. The story of her mutation into something different, a killer, mirrors the transformation of most of the soldiers. It is a well-known fact that war changes people; there is an innocence that is forever lost. They go†¦show more content†¦She was very naive because she had no glue what the future holds for her and how Vietnam will transform her, no one did. The more days Mary Anne spent in Vietnam the more she became interested in the culture of war discovering her curious nature. She would listen carefully to the stories she was told and was intrigued by the land and its mystery. Vietnam gave her a new strength, the ability to choose for herself where she would go and who she would become. Anne figuratively became â€Å"a different person†¦ there was a new confidence in her voice, a new authority in the way she carried herself†. As Vietnam empowered Mary Anne and gave her a new personality the men could not understand and they began to see an inequity in Mary Anne, but in a true war story there is no morality. Mary Anne was just doing what the men have always done. She stopped taking baths, and spent more of her time hunting and exploring Vietnam with the Greenies. Sometimes she would get so cut up with the forest and sleep out, leaving Mark Fossie hopeless. Mark was able to notice the changes occurring in Mary Anne, this s uddenly made him paranoid and extremely disturbed. Because Mark was not affected by the land like Anne was, he was unable to relate to Anne anymore because his way of viewing things, his perception and reality, is no longerShow MoreRelatedThe Things They Carried By Tim O Brien1621 Words   |  7 PagesTim O’Brien’s use of fictionalized writing in the delivery of â€Å"The Things They Carried† was the best writing style possible for a war story. Fiction, as opposed to a more conventional historical account, allows him to paint a more realistic portrayal of soldiers’ actual combat experience during the Vietnam conflict by use of imagery, real life accounts, and third person omniscient point of view. â€Å"The Things They Carried† is a story that I can personally relate to because of my service in the UnitedRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Things They Carried 2036 Words   |  9 Pagesyear Tim O’Brien was sent to Vietnam. We can only imagine what it might feel like to face it: being so young, having so much ahead and being sent to some place, which might be the end. Definitely scary. An absolutely new absorbing environment, new companions, new you. I guess, â€Å"scary is the new black† in a green recruits life. The Things They Carried - is an offspring of Tim’s war experience. It is a shocking and hard-to-believe mixture of pain, love, friendship, loyalty and death. Is it true? Did