Lesson Plan

• Describe key theoretical frameworks for analysing power in media (political economy, agenda‑setting, framing, cultural hegemony, public sphere).
• Analyse how media ownership and concentration influence content and public discourse.
• Evaluate the use of agenda‑setting and framing in a recent news event (2024 UK General Election).
• Apply content‑analysis techniques to identify power relations in media texts.
• Critically discuss audience resistance and the impact of digital platforms on media power.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides summarising theories
• Handouts of the ownership table and agenda‑setting model
• Sample news clips (BBC & ITV) from the 2024 election
• Content‑analysis coding sheets
• Whiteboard and markers
• Internet access for research

Begin with a rapid‑fire question: “Who decides what we see on the news and why?” Connect this to students’ recent experience of election coverage. Outline today’s success criteria – students will identify power mechanisms, analyse media texts, and reflect on digital influences.

1. Do‑now (5') – short quiz on definitions of power and media influence.
2. Mini‑lecture (15') – introduce the five theoretical frameworks and review the ownership table.
3. Group analysis (20') – each group codes a 5‑minute news clip for agenda‑setting and framing using the coding sheet.
4. Whole‑class discussion (10') – share coding results, link patterns to ownership types.
5. Case‑study comparison (15') – examine BBC vs. ITV election coverage; identify dominant frames and agenda‑setting strategies.
6. Reflection & exit ticket (5') – students write one way digital platforms reshape media power and submit.

Recap the key ways power operates through ownership, agenda‑setting and framing. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a homework task: analyse a social‑media post for framing techniques and prepare a brief report.