AO1: The media’s power is more invasive and further reaching than pressure groups. The media has a far larger audience than pressure groups AO2: The media is a wide and varied form and this includes the press, broadcasting media and social media. All of these provide channels to influence the government in a constant fashion. The media can exert more influence on the government in terms of numbers and constancy. AO3: We can conclude that people join pressure groups out of choice or perhaps because of their occupation, membership is not infinite but the media has more influence on government because of its reach AO1: Governments can be severely limited by the media – especially in open debate AO2: Governments PMs and Ministers all have to put their case forward in the media – if there is a strong case against their actions they often perform a U turn AO3: Pressure groups to an extent rely on the media and not vice versa. Hence as a tool of achieving action and change the media is far more influential than pressure groups AO1: Pressure groups profile rises and falls. Hence their influence is not constant, whereas the media have a regular part in influencing the government AO2: Governments are more influenced by the media for over time the media slowly change people’s attitude and the government has to listen and respond AO3: We reach a verdict that the media have the benefit of the ‘long run’ but pressure groups power changes with many variables. AO1: Pressure groups often have opposing pressure groups against them whereas this conflict is far less restrictive to the media AO2: For instance there are pro and anti EU pressure groups, pressure groups for and against animal sport etc. It is easier for the media to have a clear bias on one side. Governments will also have no dealings with pressure groups which use illegal methods. AO3: Governments may listen to pressure groups but if there are conflicting views it will side with the pressure group or cause which has a more positive spin on its image in the media influence on governments.

AO1: Many pressure groups have insider status, that gives them close contact and thus influence with the government. AO2: Pressure groups such as the NFU and BMA are in regular contact with Ministers and thus a huge position of leverage with the government AO3: We reach a verdict that this level of close cooperation and scope over decision making is an avenue not open to the media. Pressure groups are very close to decision makers in government and thus have enormous influence. AO1: Pressure groups have expertise and skills which many governments require. AO2: A considerable amount of new legislation is viewed and often approved by pressure groups before it comes to parliament. New legislation on highways is often viewed by motorists groups before it becomes law for their consideration. AO3: The media cannot claim to have as high a degree of influence on any government as pressure groups do as they facilitate new legislation. AO1: When pressure groups work together and come together in a wider mass movement then few governments can ignore their influence. AO2: When the coalition government from 2010-15 attempted to sell off the Forestry Commission a wide alliance of pressure groups came together and presented a united front to oppose the proposal – which was subsequently dropped by the government. AO3: We can conclude that when pressure groups work in unison and make a wide and strong link with a majority of the population then the influence of pressure groups on the government is unstoppable. AO1: Pressure groups are familiar with a range of political parties who go on to form governments. They are also familiar with lobbying government ministers. AO2: Links between the Trade Unions and Labour are well known – as are the links with the Conservatives and business pressure groups. When out of office the Labour Party was strongly influenced by the League Against Cruel Sports in allowing for the ban on hunting. AO3: We can make a judgement that governments and political parties are being practical and taking up on issues which pressure groups favour to maintain their own prestige and standing with the public. The range of pressure groups may vary with which party is in office but the process and influence remains the same.