We are socialised in a variety of ways; by family, by peers, religion, education, advertising and the media. To what extent do people believe that advertising influences us? How do people use the media to its best advantage? Are the press free to report whatever they choose to report and what are the kind of restrictions do they put on themselves to regulate what they print or announce? Although the state can intervene to control the activities of the free press, there can be a tension between releasing information that is in the public interest and that which protects the state. There is also the influence of big business. One example is the way big business can influence the outcome of elections in Britain by injecting masses of funds into an advertising campaign for a favoured political party. This part of the site can help students explore the nature of the media and its ability to influence and control our thoughts and behaviour. As in the previous section, these pages are designed to help teachers and students prepare for group presentations on the politcs of the media.
Link to Literature Review The Power of Advertising
Link to 'Advertising' questionnaire to use in seminar 1
The conservative nature of media: seminar activity 2
Seminar activity.
Media
The power and influence of advertising: seminar activity 1 
Social and Moral Responsibility