In class we have looked at some selected articles from some newspapers related to climate change. I have also briefly (very briefly!) commented on the role of the media in shaping the opinions of the public with respect to sustainable development issues.
Most newspapers sold in the United Kingdom are tabloids. Only one broadsheet features in the top six selling newspapers of January 2009 (Audit Bureau of Circulations 2009).

so....To what extent do the best selling UK newspapers cover stories related to serious issues? To what extent would you think that it is their role to do so? In your opinion does the tabloid media and 'low budget entertainment' (reality shows, soaps) have too much power and influence in this country?

The first question I find myself thinking about is what actually constitutes a 'serious' issue'? I think this is an issue based on class quite frankly as the lower class, generally, have had a poorer start in life which has ultimately resulted in a poorer education and lifestyle. Contrasting is the upper class where money has been readily available allowing for a better education and greater life chances. Therefore the thoughts and feelings of two very different individuals are going to conflict significantly. A serious issue to a lower class individual could mean who's going to get 'booted out' of the X-factor next weekend or is Katie still with Peter. The completely different side of the spectrum is a middle to upper class individual who is educated and familiarises themselves with issues such as climate change or the on-going war. Obviously the newspaper you read will depend on the definition of 'serious' for you as The Sun deal with more showbiz with things like X-Factor, I'm a Celeb and Strictly whereas a proper newspaper broadsheet style will deal with more damming matters such as current political affairs. This could be seen as propaganda in a way as what is said/isn't said provides the basis of your thoughts and feelings in regards to matters that are close to your heart. For example Dr Greg Spellman believes heavily in climate change and is very passionate about the subject. This is probably due to the fact that he has read around the subject in sophisticated newspapers such as The Daily Telegraph, which has ultimately provided the basis for his enthusiasm and eagerness.
I think it is underestimated the role of newspapers. The stories they produce are so widely distributed and generally what people read in the newspaper believe that to be the truth. The Sun being the best selling newspaper in the UK, with 3,146,000 copies sold in 2009 demonstrates that there isn't a role to do in terms of publishing important issues. Katies and Peter Andre will get a full two page spread, whereas climate change will get a cheesy bathos headline in the top left hand corner with a small paragraph talking about the possible extinction of polar bears as people that read The Sun are more interested in polar bears than the planet Earth itself. However on the whole I would say that newspapers do have a role to serve as there are issues that need addressing to the general public as at the end of the day the decisions made now ultimately mould future lives in terms of good stewardship.
Definitely in regards to does the tabloid media and 'low budget entertainment' (reality shows, soaps) have too much power and influence in this country? Watching television is a lot easier than reading a newspaper so the television immediately becomes a weapon. These television programmes are continually seeking ways to become more and more popular. For example Strictly Come Dancing wanted to appeal to the younger generation so they drafted in Alesha Dixon as an additional judge, as she is widely known as a successful female artist who is looked up to by many of the younger generation (16-25). Therefore lots of young girls that follow her avidly will agree with the statements made by her on the show and vote for the person that she has said is great. The newspapers the day after Strictly and X-Factor will be covered in interviews with Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole. The 'Jedward' story is an amazing example of how television can be so powerful. Simon Cowell is slating these guys every week saying they can't sing and he doesn't like them turning the whole entire country against them. Next week hes changed his mind he now 'likes' them (to get more viewers) the country now likes them and they become heroes in the space of a week.
So on the whole I would say shows like X-Factor and Strictly are far more appealing to many people than reading newspapers that are related to more intellectual issues such as the world wide recession. Nowadays people are more interested in showbiz as we have reached a point in time where values have been lost and the sense of what's right and wrong. In many ways this is not the people's fault, it's the government that has forgot to address the root cause. If people don't get the chances in life then the future looks bleak for many generations to come.