What Behavioural Changes By Members Of Parliament Have Been Noted Since The Introduction Of Cameras To Parliament?

An argument against the televising of parliament before cameras were introduced in 1989 was the extent to which behavioural changes would take place. MPs feared that things such as playing to the camera and doughnutting (the practice of sitting near those guaranteed to be on television) would occur.

Since 1990, there has been a mixed reaction and several observations made as to the change in behaviour of MPs which was predicted. Parties seemed increasingly conscious of the appearance and performance of their members. A Conservative Party public relations officer coached over 100 Tory MPs on how to be "concise, interesting and sincere" in their contributions. In a study involving some 60 MPs from the central television area a year or so after the introduction of cameras, less than one in ten acknowledged a change in the style of dress and said they were more conscious of their body language in the chamber. But 48% said other members had changed their appearance, noting women in particular who did this.

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