5.3.8 The media and government

Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports called Hansard . Written reports can be found in large libraries and at www.parliament.uk . Most people get information about political issues and events from newspapers (often called ‘the press’), television, radio and the internet.

The UK has a free press. This means that what is written in newspapers is free from government control. Some newspaper owners and editors hold strong political opinions and run campaigns to try to influence government policy and public opinion.

By law, radio and television coverage of the political parties must be balanced and so equal time has to be given to rival viewpoints.