The New Political Economy of the Media

Module description

This module offers students an introduction to the relationship between the media, technology platforms and politics, and an exploration of how that relationship is changing in the digital age. The module will introduce students to general theories of media power and effects, outline the economics of media, show how the media impacts political campaigning, illustrate how the media can affect public policy, and assess the negative externalities associated with the new political economy of the media (including monopoly, surveillance and information disorder).

The module will give students a grounding in how political communication works in the digital era, and provide them with a framework with which they can critically evaluate the evolving relationship of media, technology and politics. This can then be applied more widely to communications, public policy and campaigning. The module will help prepare students for a potential career in government, politics, public affairs, or the media.

Assessment details

coursework (40%), 3-hour online timed exam (50%) & participation (10%).

Educational aims & objectives

This module will introduce students to the complex and dynamic relationship between the media and politics, why this relationship is structured as it is, and how this relationship is being transformed by the revolution in digital communications. The module will aim to:

• Provide a basic understanding of the relationship between media and politics
• Introduce students to general theories of media influence
• Illustrate the influence of media on political campaigning and public policy
• Outline the regulatory and legislative structures framing media and politics

Each of these will be set in the context of how the media is changing as a consequence of shifts in technology.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• Identify different roles that the media can play in the political process

• Understand how the political economy of the media impacts political communication and how this is evolving as a consequence of technological developments

• Distinguish a range of theories of media effects and media power

• Identify key policy areas and political events most liable to media influence

• Assess the relationship between media, technology platforms and politics

Transferable skills from this module include:

• the effective communication of public policy

• analytical skills

• research skills

• an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the relationship between media and politics

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.