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Tabloid Tales: How the British Tabloid Press Shaped the Brexit Vote

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  • Kathryn Simpson
  • Nick Startin

Abstract

This article focuses on the role of the British tabloid press (BTP), and specifically the eurosceptic press, as a ‘supply‐side’ influence on the 2016 EU referendum. First, we focus on the BTP and its role as an ‘agenda‐setter’ in shaping eurosceptic discourse regarding the UK's relationship with the EU. Second, we use content analysis of five tabloid newspapers – The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Express and The Daily Star to demonstrate the disproportionate pro‐Brexit discourse prior to, and during, the EU referendum campaign. Third, drawing on opinion poll data, we show how this ‘bombardment’ approach influenced the electorate in the referendum campaign. Given the ‘knowledge deficit’ about the EU in the UK, we conclude that the BTP had a significant bearing on tipping the referendum vote towards Brexit.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathryn Simpson & Nick Startin, 2023. "Tabloid Tales: How the British Tabloid Press Shaped the Brexit Vote," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(2), pages 302-322, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:61:y:2023:i:2:p:302-322
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.13386
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Foos, Florian & Bischof, Daniel, 2022. "Tabloid Media Campaigns and Public Opinion: Quasi-Experimental Evidence on Euroscepticism in England," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 116(1), pages 19-37, February.
    2. Claes H. De Vreese & Hajo G. Boomgaarden, 2006. "Media Effects on Public Opinion about the Enlargement of the European Union," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(2), pages 419-436, June.
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