United Kingdom Media Profile

Government

Government Type: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy
Leader: Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Political Party: Conservative Party
Political Position: Center-Right

Media

World Press Freedom Rank: UK 33/180 (2019)

According to Reporters without Borders the “UK remains one of the worst-ranked Western European countries in the World Press Freedom Index, largely due to a heavy-handed approach towards the press, often in the name of national security.”

Government Influence on Media: The media in the UK is divided into two types. First, is the commercial media that is privately owned and generally funded through advertising. A majority of these sources tend to lean right. The second media type is public service broadcasters such as the BBC, which tends to have a more neutral tone and is fact based. According to Media Landscapes “Statutory regulation requires all news produced by broadcasters, television and radio, to remain impartial and to provide balanced coverage. These obligations are overseen by the regulatory body Ofcom.” In general, the United Kingdom’s media is mildly influenced, especially public broadcasters who are funded by the Government and adhere to regulations.