Introduction

The Role of Tabloid Newspapers in the UK's Brexit Vote

Introduction

In the lead-up to the UK's 2016 referendum on EU membership, tabloid newspapers played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the outcome of the vote.

Hard Euroscepticism and the Tabloid Press

The UK has a long history of hard euroscepticism, and this sentiment has been amplified by the tabloid press for decades. These newspapers have consistently portrayed the EU in a negative light, highlighting its perceived bureaucratic overreach and loss of national sovereignty.

The Sun's Influence

During the referendum campaign, The Sun newspaper was particularly influential in promoting a "Leave" vote. Its front-page headline on the day of the vote, "Brexit: Get Britain Back," is widely believed to have swayed many voters in favor of leaving the EU.

Impact on Public Opinion

Research by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University found that tabloid newspapers had a significant impact on public opinion during the referendum campaign. These newspapers' coverage of the EU was predominantly negative, which contributed to a climate of Euroscepticism among their readers.

Conclusion

The tabloid press played a major role in the outcome of the UK's Brexit referendum. Their hard eurosceptic stance and ability to influence public opinion were key factors in the "Leave" campaign's victory.