Paperback : £15.53
Malcolm Dean, The Guardian newspaper's longstanding chief monitor of social affairs, expertly indicts his own trade through a series of seven case studies on the influence of media on social policy. Drawing on four decades of top-level Whitehall briefings, topped up by interviews with 150 policy-makers, the book is packed with insights, and colourful stories from events in Whitehall's corridors, culminating in a damning list detailing the seven deadly sins of the 'reptiles' (modern journalists). A new final chapter reports on the News International hacking scandal, and the subsequent Leveson Inquiry, prompting criminal and civil lawsuits and leading to a radical press regulator plan.
Written in an engaging way, it offers a unique insider's perspective and a detailed and valuable account of what goes on in news rooms, pressure groups, departmental policy divisions and Parliament.
Malcolm Dean, The Guardian newspaper's longstanding chief monitor of social affairs, expertly indicts his own trade through a series of seven case studies on the influence of media on social policy. Drawing on four decades of top-level Whitehall briefings, topped up by interviews with 150 policy-makers, the book is packed with insights, and colourful stories from events in Whitehall's corridors, culminating in a damning list detailing the seven deadly sins of the 'reptiles' (modern journalists). A new final chapter reports on the News International hacking scandal, and the subsequent Leveson Inquiry, prompting criminal and civil lawsuits and leading to a radical press regulator plan.
Written in an engaging way, it offers a unique insider's perspective and a detailed and valuable account of what goes on in news rooms, pressure groups, departmental policy divisions and Parliament.
Foreword by Howard Glennerster; Foreword by David R. Mayhew; Preface: 1. The rise and fall of mainstream journalism; 2. An inside and outside look at policy-making; 3. Law and order; 4. Drugs: tabloid puppets and pawns; 5. Asylum: an oppressive media campaign prompts a cowardly political response; 6. Labour's boldest target: to end child poverty; 7. Vocational education: the biggest disappointment; 8. Health and social care: the most expensive breakfast in history; 9. The disappearance of the housing correspondent; 10. Subverting democracy (1): seven sins of the reptiles; 11. Subverting democracy (2): serious crimes of the reptiles; Afterword; Index
Preface; The rise and fall of mainstream Journalism; An inside and outside look at policy-making; Law and order; Drugs; Asylum; Labour's boldest bid: Ending child poverty; Vocational education: The biggest disappoinment; Health and social care; The disappearance of the housing correspondent; Subverting democracy: Seven sins of the reptiles.
Malcolm Dean joined the Guardian newspaper in 1969 where he served as roving reporter, social affairs leader-writer and assistant editor. He became Special Adviser to the Health and Social Services Secretary in 1978/79. Returning to the paper in 1979 post election, he launched its Society section, a highly successful weekly supplement specialising in social policy, which he edited for most of its first 20 years as well as writing daily editorials. He retired in 2006 to take up a fellowship at Nuffield College, Oxford, where he is still an associate. He has served on numerous social policy working parties and was chair of a Joseph Rowntree Foundation commission on older people.
"Malcolm Dean's fascinating book explores an under-discussed dimension of politics -- how policy and political decisions are shaped by the popular media. Many of his examples should cause us great concern." Baroness Shirley Williams "Malcolm Dean has been uniquely well-placed to witness innumerable policy successes and failures, and the often distorted lens through which they have been covered by the media. This thoughtful and wise book will be invaluable for anyone working in the media who's involved in explaining social policy, and to anyone involved in social policy who needs to get the media on their side." Geoff Mulgan, former Director of the Prime Minister's Policy Unit and the Cabinet Office's Strategy Unit in Tony Blair's Government "What role does the media play in making social policy? Malcolm Dean, veteran Guardian journalist, provides a unique insight into a much neglected but crucial area of policy-making. His case studies are a must read." Howard Glennerster, Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, London School of Economics
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