Simon East • Media & Communications in Ministry • Semester 2 2010

Errington, W. & Miragliotta, N. (2007) Media & Politics: An Introduction. South Melbourne, Australia:
Oxford University Press.

Chapter 5 – Week 7 – The Politics of Spin

283 words (sorry, but didn’t think I could fully answer them in less)

1. How have governments in recent decades changed the ways in which

they deal with journalists?

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Journalists were there to present the facts and

inform the public. But in a dark twist of fate, the relationship between journalists and politicians

somehow turned adversarial, approaching arch-enemies. There’s almost a sense that politicians

now merely endure media presence in the name of freedom of the press/speech.

In search of the ‘next big story’ or money-driven controversy, journalists seem to hunt down any

morsel of bad news, a dark past, word-slips and out-of-context sound-bites that have earnt their

industry a distrust. In response, politicians have had to become increasingly astute to the

media’s crafty methods to protect themselves from defamation and misrepresentation. With

such high-profile positions, it seems a natural decision to be trained in media relations and

journalistic interrogation.

Some politicians definitely need a break from the media disparagement. And yet there are

others who could use more public accountability. I know of no easy solutions.

2. Is there a need for governments to spend millions of dollars a year on

advertising?

I suspect the answer is ‘no’. But I’m one to prefer being reasonably informed about the

direction our government is taking us, so I will generally research things myself (mainly using the

web) to check party websites, newspapers, blogs and opinion posts. I also don’t own a

television. So all the money spent on propaganda – especially on TV – seems wasteful. Even

more so when it’s tax-payer funded.

But the majority of our population are not like me. Many live in ignorance (either deliberate or

naively) about the government’s agenda and sometimes there is a genuine need to raise issues

and promote a cause.

I just wish their campaigns would promote the values they truly stand for instead of the tired,

insipid mudslinging match.