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      What impact can the media have locally and nationally?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can consider what impact the media has had at both a local and national level.

      Key learning points

      1. National media covers news of interest to the entire country, while local media focuses on smaller areas.
      2. Local media holds authorities accountable and raises awareness of local issues.
      3. Local media encourages civic engagement and strengthens community cohesion.
      4. National media shapes public opinion and holds the Government accountable.
      5. National media sets the national agenda and unifies the nation.

      Keywords

      • Media - television, radio, printed and digital media which can reach a large number of people

      • Local - something that relates to a specific area, town or community

      • National - something that affects or covers the whole country

      Common misconception

      Local media is less important than national media in influencing public opinion.

      Both are vital. Local media engages communities directly, while national media impacts the broader public and sets key agendas. They complement each other.

      Teacher tip

      Highlight how both types of media serve unique, yet equally important, roles in shaping society and influencing civic actions. Pupils could read and compare local and national newspapers to compare the differences in content and purpose.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word with its correct definition.

      Correct Answer:power,having control or authority over something or someone

      having control or authority over something or someone

      Correct Answer:influence,the ability to affect someone's thoughts, actions or decisions

      the ability to affect someone's thoughts, actions or decisions

      Correct Answer:regulation,the control or governance of activities through rules and laws

      the control or governance of activities through rules and laws

      Q2.
      According to Ofcom what percentage of citizens in the UK regularly consume some form of media?

      50%
      75%
      80%
      Correct answer: 95%
      100%

      Q3.
      Which of the following best describes the concept of parliamentary sovereignty in the UK?

      The Prime Minister has the final say on all laws.
      Correct answer: Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK, it can make or change laws.
      The monarch has the power to amend laws at will.
      Laws in the UK are primarily created by the media.

      Q4.
      Fill in the blank: Traditional media was once small-owned, but now it is dominated by large , which control multiple companies, including media outlets.

      Correct Answer: corporations, companies

      Q5.
      Which of the following is a key concern with digital media?

      it is mainly controlled by small local businesses
      Correct answer: it is dominated by global tech firms that largely self-regulate
      it is entirely free from bias and misinformation
      it is primarily regulated by government authorities

      Q6.
      Which of the following describes hard power?

      Correct answer: the ability to control a situation by using strong pressure, threats or violence
      a key element of the British Constitution called parliamentary sovereignty
      power held by the Prime Minister through their mandate

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following best describes the role of local media?

      it focuses only on entertainment
      it covers news of interest to the entire country
      Correct answer: it holds local authorities accountable and raises awareness of local issues
      it shapes public opinion across the nation

      Q2.
      Fill in the blank: National media sets the agenda and unifies the nation.

      Correct Answer: national

      Q3.
      Match the word to its correct definition.

      Correct Answer:media,television, radio, print & digital platforms that reach a big audience

      television, radio, print & digital platforms that reach a big audience

      Correct Answer:local,relating to a specific area, town or community

      relating to a specific area, town or community

      Correct Answer:national,something that affects or covers the whole country

      something that affects or covers the whole country

      Q4.
      Which of the following is true regarding local and national media?

      local media is less important than national media in influencing public opinion
      Correct answer: both local and national media play vital roles in shaping public opinion
      national media is more focused on local issues than local media
      local media is only important for entertainment purposes

      Q5.
      Community members can get their voice heard in their local area by voting in local or attending council meetings.

      Correct Answer: elections

      Q6.
      What is a key function of national media in the UK?

      it covers only regional events
      it raises awareness of local issues
      Correct answer: it holds the Government accountable
      it focuses only on international news

      To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What impact can the media have locally and nationally?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...