What role does the media play in British politics? There is growing concern that the media environment is biased, and that online news and social media spread fake news, conspiracy theories, propaganda, and foreign interference. Examining TV, radio, newspapers and the internet, Kenneth Newton unravels the real effects of the mainstream and alternative news media. With abundant evidence, Newton demonstrates that, contrary to popular belief: newspapers neither win nor lose elections; nor set election agendas; most citizens have a fairly mixed news diet and do not inhabit echo-chambers; social media influences on political attitudes are generally small and actually expand the range of news people get; impartial and reliable public service news still provides the bulk of the nation's news diet. Evidence shows that the main media effects on political attitudes and behaviour are positive and inform and mobilise citizens rather than influencing their voting choice.

‘Real News about the News examines the conventional wisdom about the role of the media in contemporary British politics - and often shows the conventional wisdom is inaccurate. Newton uses diverse evidence to test claims of citizens’ limited information, media silos, the impact of fake news, media agenda-setting, media malaise and other topics. This is a thoughtful, well-written and well-documented study that should make us rethink many of our views about the contemporary mass media in Britain and other affluent democracies.’

Russell J. Dalton - University of California, Irvine

‘To assess the power of the media to shape public opinion and politics, start here! Kenneth Newton’s up-to-date review of what we know - and don’t know - about the impact of news media on public opinion in Britain is essential reading. Thorough and well written, fearless and frank, this book is a gem.’

Michael Schudson - Professor of Journalism and Sociology, Columbia University