Newspaper coverage of the FBU strikes of 2002

What is it about?

The research looks at the media relations strategy used by the Fire Brigades Union when its members were taking strike action in 2002, and assesses how effective it was in allowing the union to access the news agenda to put across its message. While some papers covered both sides, five out of the nine papers in this study gave the union view neglible space and used overwhelmingly hostile sources and opinions. Thus, union-media relations has a limited role within an ideologically driven UK press.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This research debunks the myth that slicker public relations will improve trade union coverage in the press. It outlines some effective union strategies for dealing with the media, but also demonstrates that large sections of the UK press are impervious to any union PR activities. The findings are useful for unions embarking on industrial action; they can be clear where to put resources and energies.The study lays bare the continuing ideological hostility of the press towards working people.