The European Parliament, mass media and the search for power and influence

Book abstract:

This volume contributes to the debate within the EU over the 'democratic deficit'. Why is it that the European Parliament - surely a mechanism for democratic control - is either ignored in British mass media or treated as a 'gravy train'? Based on 46 long interviews with British MEPs, a picture emerges of British MEPs being ignored by British national media but able to secure constituency media coverage and influence. Additionally, in different constitutional settings, the same picture emerges in Belgium and the Republic of Ireland. The research suggests that political elites in EU member countries are anxious to control the visibility and influence of the European Parliament, not merely via the Council and Commission, but also by managing their national media into dismissive attitudes towards the Parliament.

The chapters are: The European Parliament - a Parliament-in-waiting; The European Parliament - situation and powers; The European Parliament, members, issues; British News coverage of the European Union; British newspapers and EU news; MEPs, constituencies, parties, mass media; MEPs and media coverage - the Belgian and Irish cases; Conclusions and epilogue.

David Morgan is Emeritus Professor, University of Liverpool and Hon. Research Fellow, School of European Studies, Cardiff University