Media sources, such as radio, television and newspapers, can mount an informal pressure for legislative change.

By accessing the media, individuals and groups are likely to have a wide audience to voice their concern and therefore can raise significant community interest in an issue. The effectiveness of media depends on the community support generated and media courage gained. An example of the effective use of media comes from the 1990s, when talk-back radio host Neil Mitchell pushed for mandatory reporting of child abuse.

Effectiveness of media:

Strengths

• Members of parliament can easily gauge societal attitudes towards an issue
• Can reach a large audience and therefore generate discussion
• Can present both sides of an issue

Weaknesses

• May present a biased view of an issue, rather than both sides of a debate
• May show that views on an issue are split, which could hinder the push for law reform

See also:

Petitions

Demonstrations