In class we have looked at some selected articles from some newspapers related to climate change. I have also briefly (very briefly!) commented on the role of the media in shaping the opinions of the public with respect to sustainable development issues.
Most newspapers sold in the United Kingdom are tabloids. Only one broadsheet features in the top six selling newspapers of January 2009 (Audit Bureau of Circulations 2009).
1. The Sun 3,146,000
2. The Daily Mail 2,200,398
3. The Daily Mirror 1,366,891
4. The Daily Telegraph 783,210
5. The Daily Star 768,534
6. The Daily Mirror 736,340
The most watched television programmes in the United Kingdom have limited history of dealing with serious issues!
ITV1
w/e 8 Nov 2009
| 000's | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | THE X FACTOR RESULTS (SUN 1959) | 15,003 |
| 2 | THE X FACTOR (SAT 2000) | 13,051 |
| 3 | CORONATION STREET (MON 1932) | 10,851 |
| 4 | CORONATION STREET (MON 2029) | 10,542 |
| 5 | DOC MARTIN (SUN 2102) | 10,285 |
| 6 | CORONATION STREET (FRI 2029) | 9,459 |
| 7 | CORONATION STREET (FRI 1932) | 9,164 |
| 8 | CORONATION STREET (THU 2031) | 8,601 |
| 9 | EMMERDALE (MON 1900) | 7,456 |
| 10 | EMMERDALE (THU 2000) | 7,379 |
so....To what extent do the best selling UK newspapers cover stories related to serious issues? To what extent would you think that it is their role to do so? In your opinion does the tabloid media and 'low budget entertainment' (reality shows, soaps) have too much power and influence in this country?
