Media, social media and democratic governance [WP1110]

A strong body of evidence points to the fundamental impact media has on democratic processes and outcomes. The increasing speed of news cycles and explosion of social media have only served to enhance this effect. Increasingly the balance of power is shifting in favour of citizens. Underpinning this shift is people’s ability to communicate with large audiences at minimal cost, interact directly with decision-makers, build social movements rapidly and globally, inform and shape news agendas – all through media and social networks.