Podcast Summary
Newspapers' influence on elections: In the digital age, newspapers' influence on voter opinions during elections has waned, with more people turning to social media for news. Newspapers have become more muted in their support for candidates and now focus on raising doubts instead of making outright endorsements.
The influence and reach of newspapers in shaping voter opinions during elections has significantly waned in the digital age, as more people turn to social media for news. This was discussed in the context of the 1997 election and the infamous endorsement of The Sun newspaper for Tony Blair, which was seen as a game-changer at the time. However, in recent elections, such as the one in 2024, newspapers have been more muted in their support for candidates, with many opting for headlines that raise doubts rather than making outright endorsements. This trend could be due to the success of Labour's campaign, newspapers adjusting to a changing media landscape, or simply the fact that newspapers don't matter as much as they used to. Regardless, the role of newspapers in elections has undoubtedly shifted, and their influence on voter behavior is no longer as clear-cut as it once was.
UK election and newspaper editors: Some editors have moved on from the UK election, with personal grudges and ideological differences preventing major right-leaning papers from endorsing Labour leader Keir Starmer, but political alliances can shift over time
The relationship between newspaper editors and political protagonists, specifically in the context of the ongoing UK election, is complex. While the public remains engaged with the campaign, some editors have already moved on to the next political battles, such as net 0, immigration, and culture wars. The major right-leaning newspapers, including The Mail, The Telegraph, and The Sun, are unlikely to endorse Labour leader Keir Starmer due to personal grudges and ideological differences. These grudges stem from past events, like Starmer's role as Director of Public Prosecutions, which led to the prosecution of some individuals in the Murdoch stable. Despite this, it was once thought impossible for The Sun to endorse Starmer due to these personal grudges. However, as time passes, political alliances can shift. Looking back to the 1997 election, Labour made a deliberate effort to court the right-wing press. Today, the situation is more complicated, with some editors seemingly disengaged from the election itself.
Labour-Media Relations: Though Labour's policies don't align with The Sun under Starmer, the paper may still back him due to Murdoch's desire to support winning sides. Labour may not prioritize media courting, focusing on elections and potential policy conflicts instead.
The relationship between the Labour Party and media barons, particularly Rupert Murdoch and The Sun, during Keir Starmer's leadership is significantly different from Tony Blair's time. Unlike Blair, who had policy alignments with The Sun, Starmer's policies don't seem to resonate with the paper. However, it's expected that The Sun will eventually back Starmer due to Murdoch's desire to be on the winning side. The Labour Party, on the other hand, may not prioritize courting media barons as they focus on upcoming elections and potential policy conflicts. The EU issue also plays a role, with The Sun criticizing Starmer and Reeves for being too pro-EU and potentially taking the country back in. Despite the lack of alignment, both parties may still engage in a "dance" for appearances and future benefits.
Labour's EU alignment: Labour's economic growth relies on EU alignment due to demographic shift towards pro-remain population, but alignment may put them at odds with anti-EU newspapers like The Sun. Historically, the Sun's support for Labour has shifted, making their backing unpredictable.
The alignment with the EU will be crucial for economic growth during a Labour government, despite the current Brexit situation. This is due to the demographic shift towards a pro-remain population, particularly among the younger generations. However, attempting to pursue this alignment may put Labour at odds with certain newspapers like The Sun, which have historically opposed pro-EU policies. The power of these newspapers may wane over time. When discussing "remain," it's essential to clarify that this doesn't mean rejoining the EU but rather seeking some form of economic cooperation. The real battles for Labour are expected to come after the election, and the sun's influence might not be as significant as it once was. The speaker also shared a historical example of how the Sun's support shifted from Labour to the Conservatives under Gordon Brown, causing significant damage. Despite this, Labour should be cautious when trying to win over the newspapers, as their backing can be unpredictable and potentially detrimental.
Murdoch's influence on British politics: The influence of Murdoch's newspapers on British politics may be declining as the next generation shows little interest and the focus shifts to younger voters with different priorities.
The influence of Rupert Murdoch and his newspapers on British politics may be coming to an end. With the next Murdoch generation showing little interest in British newspapers, the traditional model of courting Murdoch's endorsement may no longer be a deciding factor in elections. Instead, the focus is shifting to younger voters, who make up a large percentage of the electorate and have different priorities. The debate in this election has been dominated by the older demographic and their concerns, such as tax, but the younger generation's views and values are increasingly shaping the political landscape. The power dynamics are changing, and it remains to be seen what the surprise outcomes will be on election day.
Politics and Media: The evolving nature of political communication highlights the importance of media and personality in politics, even as traditional endorsements and party loyalties shift.
The intersection between politics and the media may not be as significant as it once was due to the changing demographics and the way information is consumed. Keir Starmer's experience in Grimsby is an example of this, as the audience there had heard his father's occupation mentioned so many times that they reacted with skepticism. Boris Johnson, who straddled both worlds, has recently re-emerged as a political force, using his media presence to campaign against Labour. Johnson's return highlights the importance of media and personality in politics, even as traditional endorsements and party loyalties shift. Overall, the discussion underscores the evolving nature of political communication and the role of media in shaping public perception.
Johnson's Impact on Election: Johnson's involvement in the Conservative Party's campaign trail is uncertain, with some seeing him as a last hope and others believing he may hinder. His loyalty appears directed towards faithful supporters, and the impact of his endorsements on election results will only be clear in the coming days.
Boris Johnson's involvement in the Conservative Party's campaign trail remains uncertain and its impact on marginal seats is debatable. While some see him as a last hope in desperate situations, others believe he may hinder rather than help. Johnson's loyalty seems to be directed towards those who remained faithful to him during his tenure as prime minister. The Conservative Party is currently experiencing a fissure, with Johnson not actively campaigning for the party but instead for selected candidates. The deadline for registering to vote in the upcoming election is approaching, and it's crucial for those who haven't registered yet to do so before the deadline. The impact of Johnson's endorsements on the election results will only be clear in the coming days.