The media’s role on Brexit following the activation of Article 50

Abstract

The media’s activities are so various that one might not expect its direct link with politics. This dissertation aims to highlight this dependent relationship. With Brexit as the main example, this dissertation will note how the media has played an unequivocal role in the way that Brexit was framed to the public before and after the triggering of Article 50 and actual Brexit day. The central media platform used was newspapers as they are still unmatched in political communication. The literature review will make reference to the rocky relationship between the Britons and the EU since World War II. It will also link media and politics through important media theories. These theories will further highlight the impact of the media on the public.

Through a mixed-method approach, the analysis will dive into a content analysis of nine famous newspapers and tabloids and note effective devices used through the weeks leading to the referendum vote and after the activation of Article 50. This is especially important as the Brexit referendum led to the resignation of David Cameron and rise of Theresa May. On the other hand, the triggering of Article 50 led to the 2017 national election, rejection of May’s agreement with the EU, her resignation as Prime Minister of the UK, the rise of Boris Johnson, the 2019 British national election and the historic Brexit Day.