United Kingdom Political Orientation
Government
Government Type: Parliamentary system, Constitutional monarchy
Leader: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Political Party: Conservative Party
Political Position: Center-Right
Press Freedom
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: 85.76 – Mostly Free
World Press Freedom Rank: UK 26/180
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.”
Media Ownership and Government Analysis
The media in the UK is divided into two types. The first is commercial media which 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 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 funded by the Government and adhering to regulations.
Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check
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