UK government and the media: A form of interaction

Abstract

The article reviews specific ties between the Government of the United Kingdom and British national and regional media. Those specifics used by authorities may have a direct impact on the UK media scene. The authors highlight official government requests to the press not to broadcast or publish specified topics (so-called DSMA-notices), chief editors' links and informal connections to Downing Street, influence by both government agencies and number of companies, cooperating with the government. The research reveals that among the levers and tools to influence the UK media, the capabilities of various non-governmental foundations and commercial companies collaborating with the government (Breakthrough Media) are used, as well as the potential of special forces and special projects of some government departments (77th Brigade, Integrity Initiative, Foreign Diplomacy Office of Public Diplomacy, MI5 online covert actions, etc.). The authors conclude that despite the formal lack of censorship, the British government has other ways of influencing the media and often uses them for geopolitical purposes.