Politics and the media: A breakdown in relations for new labour

This article focuses on some of the key events that shaped political communication during 2002. It examines the news media coverage of the Labour government and the extent to which that coverage was hostile and preoccupied with the behind-the-scenes activities of spin doctors. It looks at the government's response to such coverage and the media's reaction to changes in government communication tactics. It then focuses on the government's relationship to the news media, looking at the conflict that occurred between the Prime Minister and the right-wing press. It examines attempts by the government to mend relations by reforming the Lobby. It then focuses on attempts by the BBC to repackage its political output in order to attract viewers and address the issue falling political participation. Finally, the article considers the consequences of mutual government-media hostility for the health of British democracy.