Wales' voters misinformed: uk media failing on devolved issues
Cardiff – The UK’s national news outlets are systematically failing to adequately cover devolved matters in Wales, leaving voters demonstrably ill-informed ahead of May’s Senedd elections, a new study reveals. The research, conducted by Cardiff University, exposes a concerning pattern of confusion and a significant democratic deficit, raising serious questions about the accountability of major broadcasters.
A blurring of boundaries: the core of the problem
The study, analyzing over 3,000 news items across BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky News, found a consistent lack of clarity regarding the scope of devolved powers. A staggering 73% of social media posts failed to specify whether a story related to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. This wasn’t limited to social media; 57% of TV news segments and 35% of online articles exhibited the same deficiency. The consequence? Welsh voters are struggling to differentiate between UK-wide policy and decisions made in Cardiff Bay.
Professor Stephen Cushion, lead researcher on the project, points to a particularly egregious error: the widespread use of “the government” when referring to policy matters. “When you hear reporting claiming ‘the government is building more houses’ or ‘changing the way people get doctors’ appointments,’ that’s misleading,” he explains. “Those processes operate under different systems, and UK-wide news often obscures that crucial distinction.” The confusion extends even to seemingly simple topics; a popular TikTok explainer on ‘V-levels’ presented education changes as a UK-wide initiative, further muddying the waters.
The numbers don't lie: a quarter don't know health & education are devolved
The accompanying poll of 1,544 people paints a stark picture. Astonishingly, one-third of respondents were unaware that health and education are controlled by the Welsh government – a reality 26 years after devolution. Furthermore, just 7% correctly identified which body, Cardiff Bay or Westminster, held responsibility for eight key policy areas. The survey revealed a significant gap in understanding of the electoral system too: only 7% knew May’s vote would be held under a closed list system.
Interestingly, the research highlights a contrast with Scotland. A similar 2021 survey revealed a higher level of understanding regarding devolved powers there. Cushion attributes this to a “healthier media environment” in Scotland—a pointed observation given the reliance on UK-wide news sources in Wales. A worrying 46% of Welsh respondents cite UK news as their primary source, compared to just 10% who favor Wales-specific news. The political divide is even more pronounced: 60% of Reform voters primarily consume UK news, a figure significantly higher than other political affiliations.
But perhaps the most troubling aspect is the potential impact on voting behavior. “It’s possible that people are casting their vote on issues that affect England,” Cushion cautions, “influenced by campaign events and the Nigel Farage v Keir Starmer dynamic, which receives disproportionate coverage. Yet, for those living in Wales, these elections are fundamentally different.” The lack of accurate reporting creates a significant communication breakdown, undermining democratic accountability and potentially skewing electoral outcomes.
The study serves as a stark reminder that the media’s responsibility extends beyond simply reporting events; it encompasses clarifying their context and implications, especially within the complex framework of the UK’s devolved governments.