The Representation of the Northern Irish Conflict in the British Media with specific reference to the Lee Clegg case in the British Press

The issue of Northern Ireland is one that has received considerable attention from the media, since the present ‘Troubles’ began, almost thirty years ago. There has been much criticism of the media coverage of the conflict, which is seen to blindly support the conduct of the British State, regardless of its actions. The British Press is especially likely to support the Government, even though it operates with almost total freedom, and is not confined by censorship tactics as are the broadcast media. This study examines the coverage of the Lee Clegg case in the British Press. The events that surrounded this case, were ones that drew into question the actions of the British Army in Northern Ireland. Lee Clegg’s release occurred in the context of a fragile peace process, and was an event that jeopardised that whole process. The following study examines the way in which the case of Lee Clegg was represented in the British Press, and draws attention to a number of themes that emerged in that coverage. It is based on the premise that the material presented will have effects on readers, and this is placed in the context of the evolution of theories of effect