Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0004-7555-9930

Graduation Year

2025

Date of Submission

11-2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Government

Reader 1

Peter Uvin

Rights Information

@Ella C. Reyl

Abstract

This thesis examines how partisan news coverage and negative campaign advertising affect political polarization among Millennials and Generation Z in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through comparative analysis of media regulatory frameworks, political cultures, and case studies, this thesis demonstrates that while both nations face increasing political division in the digital age, their distinct approaches to media oversight produce notably different outcomes. The UK's more centralized regulatory system and strong public broadcasting tradition help moderate polarizing effects. Conversely, the US's decentralized, market-driven approach, combined with unlimited campaign spending, enables deeper partisan divisions. Although both countries struggle to adapt regulations to digital platforms, where younger generations increasingly consume political content, the UK's emphasis on impartial coverage and spending limits provides greater resilience against extreme polarization. The findings suggest that effective responses to political polarization must address both structural factors, like media regulation and campaign finance rules, and cultural elements that shape how younger citizens engage with political information in an increasingly digital environment. This research reveals how institutional frameworks and cultural traditions influence the relationship between media and political polarization among rising generations of voters.

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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