The Mediatization of Politics in Western Democracies Essay example --

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 lastly dependent on the mass media (Mazzoleni and Schulz 1999 247 261). This lastly means a media logic has formed. In relation to politics the surmise 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 mean 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 dot 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 bring out what is happening in relation to po... ...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 PressNeil T Gavin (2009) Addressin g mode change a media perspective Environmental Politics, 18(5), 765-780Plasser, F. And Plasser, G. (2002) Global political campaigning a worldwide analysis of campaigning professionals and their practices_ PraegerScammel, M. (1995) Designer Politics Basing stoke Macmillian. (Chapter 8) nett referencingGordon 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 send 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