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What role will the media play in the general election?

In the run up to the general election, the University of Gloucestershire’s Public Lecture series brings together the main political parties hoping to win power, with key media figures. We’ll be asking what part the media plays in an election campaign and how much power it has to influence the result. On 22 April, Head of the Media School Anne Dawson will chair the Question Time Debate – Politics and the Media: Who can we trust in the election campaign?

The panel will include John Ryley, Head of Sky News, as well as the five main candidates for the Cheltenham seat in the May 2015 election; Martin Horwood MP (Liberal Democrat), Alex Chalk (Conservative), Paul Gilbert (Labour), Christine Simmonds (UKIP) and Adam Van Coevorden (Green).This event will be broadcast live from the start of the debate at 6pm.  You can join us via live stream (link removed as event has finished) or Twitter The event is free, but places are limited.

The debate will examine the conflicting interests of politicians and their desire to use the media to gain exposure for important issues versus the media’s desire to seek the truth and cover the most interesting issues, stories and the people involved.  The audience will also be invited to ask questions in the key election issues, including higher education funding, immigration and the environment.

Once booked in you will have an opportunity to submit questions to a selection panel; if your question is not selected you will still be given the chance to voice your opinion from the floor.

The lecture is free, but booking is essential. To book your place, please visit  Eventbrite  For more information about the Public Lecture Series see our public lecture series page.