Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on digital television and published in official
reports such as Hansard, which is available in large libraries and on the Internet. Most
people, however, get information about political issues and events from newspapers
(often called the press), television and radio.

The UK has a free press, meaning that what is written in newspapers is free from
government control. Newspaper owners and editors hold strong political opinions and run
campaigns to try and influence government policy and public opinion. As a result it is
sometimes difficult to distinguish fact from opinion in newspaper coverage.

By law, radio and television coverage of the political parties at election periods must be
balanced and so equal time has to be given to rival viewpoints. But broadcasters are free
to interview politicians in a tough and lively way.

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