ABSTRACT
Until the late 1980s the influence of the media on race was discussed in relatively simple terms. Most people were in broad agreement that the media did influence and reinforce public opinion and periodically journalists were willing to accept that on race, the media had the potential to affect attitudes and behaviour. In 1970 Harold Evans, then editor of the Sunday Timessubmitted that:
newspapers have effects at two reciprocal levels of ethnic tension. By the information they select and display and opinions they present, they have effects at ground level on the creation of stereotypes and the stimulation to behaviour. Because of the volatility of the subject, they have also swift effect at ground level on the creation of policy…. The Press must recognise that what it prints or broadcasts about ethnic groups can directly affect ethnic tension. Any organisation not in league with the devil … must then recognise the commitment which follows. It must have a positive policy to avoid unnecessary damage. These are responsibilities which many in the press refuse to acknowledge. 1
