The media and 2010 campaign: the television election? WringDominic WardStephen 2013 The 2010 election was one of the most competitive campaigns of recent decades. The first televised leaders debates along with the rise of online social networking led to renewed speculation about the potential influence of the media in campaigns. By contrast the press appeared to revert to the pre mid-1990s form with strong support for the Conservatives and personal attacks on their opponents. This article concentrates on these two topics and specifically the influence of the leaders debates on the campaign and outcome of the election as well as how and whether press endorsements made much difference.