This article reexamines the formation of political news agendas on British television. It argues that studies on the formation of domestic political news agendas have so far largely been election campaign centered. Using the annual party political conventions in Britain as a case study, this article explores internal party struggles between the leadership and their opponents to shape and reshape the coverage of party policy on national television. It reveals that despite resource disadvantages, dissenting voices in certain situations can shape the news agenda. The article also reveals that broadcasting professionals find conflict newsworthy and are eager to reveal such discord to their viewers and highlight its consequences for each party’s electoral fortunes. In conclusion, the article suggests that in certain situations, domestic political news agendas also need to be seen as the product of intraparty competition between the leadership and their opponents. In these situations, journalists play a proactive role packaging the struggle and may act as a counterweight to leadership resource advantages, aiding critical claim-makers in obtaining their objectives.
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