Rupture and Renew: James Dennis Presents Research on Youth and Political Communication

Dr James Dennis, a member of the MeLCi Lab, presented his research at the Annual Conference of the Political Studies Association’s Media and Politics Group & Technology, Information and Policy Group, held at Bournemouth University on 9 January. His paper, “Rupture and Renew: Transforming Political Communication for Marginalised Young People,” examined news avoidance and low political participation among young adults experiencing inequality in England.

Based on 47 interviews with journalists, newsfluencers, political party representatives, and young people, the study identifies a growing disconnect between youth, institutional politics, and legacy news media, while outlining possible paths to renewal. These include social-media-native storytelling in journalism, greater recognition and support for newsfluencers, and more meaningful opportunities for young people to shape political agendas, despite structural and electoral constraints.

Image courtesy of the researcher.