ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the complicated relationship between populism and media in Western Europe. It examines the relationship between populist actors and 'old' media in Western Europe, particularly focusing on the role of newspapers and television. The chapter also examines what the rise of 'new' media – and especially the prominent role of social and digital media – has meant for populists. It focuses on 'media populism', considering populism by and through media. The chapter argues that we are witnessing something of a 'hybridization' of populist political communication in Western Europe, in which we will not be able to distinguish populist actors who are easily located in the 'old' or 'new' media, but instead, will use a combination of such media channels to appeal to 'the people'. New media has opened a number of opportunities for populist actors, and several populists in Western Europe have taken advantage of social networks.
