A MODEL OF TELEVISED ELECTION DISCUSSION: THE FINNISH MULTI-PARTY

The article presents a model of televised election discussion combining elements of communication, culture and the political situation, and the ways in which these elements infl uence the nature of political discussion. The main argument is that in the multi-party political system of Finland the televised election discussion is indeed a “dis-cussion ” rather than a “debate. ” Key elements of interaction in discussion are not attacks and defences as in a debate but rather expressions of agreement and disagreement. Other important elements include political memory and discourse orientation toward past, future, or present situations. PEKKA ISOTALUS EEVA AARNI