The book, General Election 2024: The Media and the Messengers, edited by John Mair, Andrew Beck and John Ryley, brings together leading journalists, commentators and academics in the UK assessing how and why the media can influence a general election.

Sir Trevor Phillips, Sky News broadcaster, said: “In modern elections, even if the medium isn’t the message, the media, legacy and digital, are the distorting megaphones of our times. You’d have to go far to find a better guide to sorting out the signal from the noise than this collection of seasoned veterans.”

Dr Carolyn Jackson-Brown, from the Centre for Journalism at Leeds Trinity University, contributed a chapter titled To trust or ignore? How are Gen Zs finding their political information and what might they do with it?

The Centre for Journalism at Leeds Trinity University, currently ranked second in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2024, prides itself on being contemporary and relevant as well as delivering substantial normative teaching and practice. Dr Jackson-Brown’s contribution to the book draws on her own television news background as well as elicit contributions from her Generation Z undergraduate Journalism students, discussing what might engage them or not.

Dr Carolyn Jackson-Brown said: “UK general elections are political and media theatre. How, and whether, people vote may be influenced by television, newspapers (national and local), radio, and social media and this collection brings together a wide range of writing from academics and leading journalists across the country. As John Humphrys says, this book is written by ‘the people who know’ and it’s worth a read if any of us want to change the way we do this.”

Kathryn Penny, Deputy Head of School of Digital Screen Media at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Dr Carolyn Jackson-Brown’s contribution to this important book on how the media shapes current affairs is a testament to her extensive journalism experience and influence in the industry.

"The Centre for Journalism at Leeds Trinity University is recognised for outstanding vocational training, industry-relevant teaching, and leading research. Dr Jackson-Brown’s efforts to involve our students in her analysis of Generation Z voting behaviour showcases the co-creation practice which is a core part of teaching and learning within our Journalism provision.”

General Election 2024: The Media and the Messengers is published by MGM Books and had its official launch during a livestream event on Monday 1 July 2024.

To find out more about studying Journalism at Leeds Trinity University, visit the website.