"Speed of communication between Parliament
and the public cannot but help the working of
modern mass democracy…" (Black, H.: 1981: 28)
Up to 1980, the House of Commons had refused to allow the televising of its proceedings, except on rare occasions like the formal ceremony of the State Opening Parliament. With the introduction of television cameras, there were considerable temptation for MPs to be present, either in the Chamber or in committee rooms, simply to appear in sight of the cameras so that their constituents and others watching television might see them (Gray, J.: 1990: 53). On many occasions, the only members present are those actively involved in the business under consideration or about to be considered. This creates criticism from the public that some of the MPs are being irresponsible. Through this criticism, it has affected the British politics by stimulating the politicians themselves to take part and show the public that they are doing their job and are taking responsibility of their duty in parliament.
Not only has television given the public a better understanding of the parliament, but it has also help assist members that are not in the Chamber to be updated with what is happening in the chamber while they are out and not attending the meetings.
The attraction of appearing within the range of the cameras would change the politician's habits. When members received comments from their constituents, especially within their own political party organizations, that they have not been seen on television, this could be seen as pressure, which would compel many Members to sit for long periods in the Chamber for no purpose other than to be seen on television. However, this also puts pressure on the members to be more active and participate more in the parliament. In doing so, this media of television has turned British politics into a more exciting and hot issue for most of the public. It has stimulated the British politics to be more active in what they are doing due to the fact that the majority of the public is watching them (Lamb, B.: 1989: 44).
The proceedings of select committees of the House of Commons may be especially interesting for the purposes of television, particularly the cross-examination of witnesses and the presentation of evidence in respect of Private Bills. If a select committee stage were scope for television cameras in the committee rooms would be further increased. Certainly the televising of select committees would give the viewing public a much better impression of the detailed work of the House of Commons, and would fit in with the three-fold purpose of broadcasting to inform, educate and entertain the general public. None of the present rules of procedure of select committees would need alternation in order to admit television cameras, which would be permissible at any time when the House as a whole took a decision to allow the televising of its proceedings (Day, R.: 1985: 47).
Not only has the media affected the political system in Britain but it has and still is in a way directing the way and future of British politics. Take the BBC for an example. This news organization has had a lot of influence on modern British politics. These kinds of organizations are like the publics' voice acting out what the public feels and what the public wants from the British parliament. In addition, the media have also cause dramatic changes in modern British politics. Bad decisions made by the Parliament or Prime Minister have stimulated the media to discredit the reputation of the Parliament. Even though these kind of news sells but I believe the main reason for the media criticizing the British politic so strongly is again due to the publics view of how they believe the country should be managed.
Finally the main role that the media plays in the modern British politics is probably their duty to bring Parliament closer to the people so that there may be a wider understanding of its purposes, procedures and achievements. No matter what type of media, whether it is the newspaper, radio, or television and even if it may shock the viewers or the politicians themselves, it would be very valuable in building a stronger link between the Parliament of Britain and the British public.
Why? So that as the Bond becomes stronger, the more democratic the country will be and Britain will be able to say that they are a country ruled by the majority of the public. All in all, the main roles of the British media in British politics today are reporting and updating the public of contemporary issues of Britain, influencing the direction of British politics and finally keeping an eye on the parliament and constantly stimulating the system to run effectively and actively.
References
Black, H. (1981). Live Commons Broadcasting, London: Gollancz.
Day, R. (1985). The case for Televising Parliament, London: Hamsard.
Gray, J. (1990). Televising the Commons, London: Random House.
Johnston, P. (1990). Broadcasting Proceedings, London: Macmillan.
Lamb, B. (1989). Government and Media, Washington: Acropolis Books.