In public relations and politics, spin is a form of propaganda, achieved through knowingly seem better than they really are, especially in…. b : to plunge helplessly and out of control. A standard tactic used in "spinning" is to reframe or modify the perception of an issue or event to reduce any negative impact it might have on public opinion. Spin is a contemporary term for a form of propaganda that relies on deceptive methods of persuasion . In defense of political spin. Voices How spin doctors destroyed our democracy – and what we can do to repair it. Political spin, in politics, the attempt to control or influence communication in order to deliver one’s preferred message. Information and translations of SPIN in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. spin (PR, marketing): Spin, in the context of public relations ( PR ), marketing and journalism, is the selective assembly of fact and the shaping of nuance to support a particular view of a story. In the political context, it is often associated with government press conferences in which it is understood that the press secretary or the government official has a vested interest in communicating a political message to have a desired outcome, often to the neglect of delivering the full truth of a situation. Spin: A politician's attempt to shape the way the public looks at an issue or event, much the way a tennis player uses spin to direct the ball. "Burying bad news": announcing unpopular things when the media is expected to be focusing on other news. [9] Campbell trusted various journalists such as Tony Bevins and Denis Murry, with whom he had a close relationship, to write stories about Blair in a positive light; Campbell identifies how he was able to spin Rupert Murdoch, during a meeting in July 1995, into positively reporting an up incoming Blair speech, gathering the support from the Sun and the Times, popular British newspapers. See more. [15] The famous newspaper headline ‘The Sun Backs Blair’ was a key turning point in the campaign which provided New Labour with a lot of confidence and hope of increased electoral support. The word politics comes from the Greek word "polis", meaning the state or community as a whole. putting a spin on phrase. In such situations, the press conference room is sometimes cynically referred to as the “spin room” and the schedule of briefings as the “spin cycle.”. Political advisers who spin are known as "spin doctors." Spin doctor definition, a press agent skilled at spin control. The modern definition of spin doctor came about in the 1980s with the need for media sound bites―a concise phrase … Meaning of spin (propaganda). Stump: To campaign in person on a local level. [8], “Spin doctors” can either command media attention or remain anonymous. The article then examines Definitions of Political spin, synonyms, antonyms, derivatives of Political spin, analogical dictionary of Political spin (English) That’s not to say spin doesn’t have its place. : the act or practice of attempting to manipulate the way an event is interpreted by others political spin control Examples of spin control in a Sentence When the defective part was recalled, the company had to do some clever spin control . Find more ways to say spin, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. It is a senior political spokesperson employed to promote a favourable interpretation of events to journalists. [4] Throughout the 1990s, the use of spin by politicians and parties accelerated, especially in the United Kingdom; the emergence of 24-hour news increased pressures placed upon journalists to provide nonstop content, which was further intensified by the competitive nature of British broadcasters and newspapers, and content quality declined due to 24-hour news' and political parties' techniques for handling the increased demand. Spin (politics) synonyms, Spin (politics) pronunciation, Spin (politics) translation, English dictionary definition of Spin (politics). By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. systematic manipulation of public opinion, generally by the use of symbols such as flags, monuments, oratory, and publications. In public relations and politics, spin is a form of propaganda, achieved through knowingly providing a biased interpretation of an event or campaigning to influence public opinion about some organization or public figure. In the present day, there is a serious conflict being waged by religious extremists in the Middle East. public relations (PR) a general means of promoting a business's COMPANY IMAGE with a view to encouraging customers to buy its products and investors to buy its shares, as well, fo • For Aristotle, politics is ‘nothing less than the activity through which human beings attempt to improve their lives and create the Good Society. spin doctor definition: 1. someone whose job is to make ideas, events, etc. It subsequently develops a typology of overt and covert practices that suggests that there should be an analytical and ethical distinction between ‘spin’ and ‘political communication’. An interpretation of campaign events or election results that is favorable to the candidate's campaign strategy. [17], A form of propaganda in public relations and politics, "Spin doctor" redirects here. Synonyms for Political spin in Free Thesaurus. (often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform. The term "spin doctor" became a common addition to the English language in the 1980s. A person who composes and/or communicates spin is referred to as a spin doctor. 5. singular noun If you go for a spin or take a car for a spin, you make a short trip in a car just to enjoy yourself. It considers the different types of government ‘spin doctors’ and explores the dimensions of the ‘Australian public relations state’. Polarization definition, a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions. seem better than they really are, especially in…. The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public. Find more ways to say spin, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Skillful practitioners of spin are sometimes pejoratively referred to as “spin doctors,” “spin merchants,” or “spinmeisters,” among other unflattering terms. [6], Spin in the United Kingdom began to break down with the high-profile resignations of the architects of spin within the New Labour government, with Charlie Whelan resigning as Gordon Brown’s spokesman in 1999 and Alastair Campbell resigning as Tony Blair’s Press Secretary in 2003. Definition of putting a spin on in the Idioms Dictionary. [16] The change in political alignment had an impact on the electorate, with the number of individuals voting for Labour that read switching newspapers rising by 19.4%, compared to only 10.8% by those that did not read switching newspapers; a study conducted by Ladd and Lenz. See more. • Politics exists because people disagree. Her contributions to SAGE Publications’. Antonyms for Political spin. What are synonyms for Political spin? What does putting a spin on expression mean? An example is, This page was last edited on 19 December 2020, at 21:07. spin doctor. Learn more. Voices How spin doctors destroyed our democracy – and what we can do to repair it. In politics, business, and elsewhere, spin is often characterized by exaggeration, euphemisms, inaccuracies, half-truths, and excessively emotional appeals . Antonyms for Political spin. spin noun (CHANGE IDEAS) [ S or U ] informal a way of describing an idea or situation that makes it seem better than it really is, especially in politics: They have tried to put a positive spin on the situation. But this administration is trying to spin … Learn more. PR 1. Abbr. public relations (PR) a general means of promoting a business's COMPANY IMAGE with a view to encouraging customers to buy its products and investors to buy its shares, as well, fo Depending on which one we’re on, we cheer FDR’s fireside chats or Reagan’s telegenic qualities. spin doctor definition: 1. someone whose job is to make ideas, events, etc. Updates? In 2009, the Federal Trade Commission updated their laws to include measures to prohibit this type of "spinning" and have been enforcing these laws as of late. • • • Greenberg argues that facts will outweigh spin. Abbr. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. What does put a spin on expression mean? Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The concept of the "polis" was an ideal state and came from the writings of great political thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Its exact origin is uncertain, but the word is often used to describe public relations experts as well as political or corporate representatives whose job it is to put a "positive spin" on events or situations. Spin, without the accompanying doctor, had begun to be used in a political and promotional context in the late 1970s; for example, in the Guardian Weekly, January 1978: "The CIA can be an excellent source [of information], though, like every other, its offerings must be weighed for factuality and spin." Political advisers who spin are known as "spin doctors." Political spin, in politics, the attempt to control or influence communication in order to deliver one’s preferred message. 2006 February 9, “The Politics of Science”, in The Washington Post, page A22: In every administration there will be spokesmen and public affairs officers who try to spin the news to make the president look good. He played a key role in important decisions, with advisors viewing him as a ‘Deputy Prime Minister’ inseparable from Blair. The article then examines the relationship between the media, political communication and democracy. A lousy administration can’t be saved by a good publicity machine. The Spin Doctor is Born. adjective favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs. Rewarding like-minded or amenable journalists with stories. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. a political campaign adviser who tries to convince journalists of the truth of a particular interpretation of events. Spin, in physics, the amount of angular momentum associated with a subatomic particle or nucleus and measured in multiples of a unit called the Dirac h, or h-bar (ℏ), equal to the Planck constant divided by 2π. The term "spin doctor" became a common addition to the English language in the 1980s. An interpretation of campaign events or election results that is favorable to the candidate's campaign strategy. Definition of spin (propaganda) in the Definitions.net dictionary. This article explores the uses and consequences of political communication in Australia. [3], Edward Bernays has been called the "Father of Public Relations". We know who won. PR 1. In the early 21st century, concern over the effects of spin manifested in the popular culture with the rise of talk shows, talk show personalities, and self-proclaimed “fact-checkers.” Examples include American television and radio personality Bill O’Reilly and his show No Spin Zone and numerous Web sites proclaiming to help a cynical and unsuspecting public unravel the barrage of political spin. Information and translations of SPIN in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Definition of SPIN in the Definitions.net dictionary. Spin of in- formation aimsto interpret information presented in a way that corresponds to a particular political entity. Spin: A politician's attempt to shape the way the public looks at an issue or event, much the way a tennis player uses spin to direct the ball. 1 synonym for public relations: PR. The left–right political spectrum is a system of classifying political positions, ideologies and parties based on issues of social equality and social hierarchy.In addition to positions on the Left and on the Right, there are centrists or moderates who are not strongly aligned with either extreme. Politics is storytelling, and each side needs to make its case. Another word for spin. 'SPIN doctor' developed in the jargon of US politics. Voters in Elyria, Ohio cast their ballots during the presidential election on Tuesday. Campbell taught Shea how to organise his team to deliver what he wanted to be in the media, which led to Shea being appreciated for his work by President Bill Clinton. Spin is a pejorative term often used in the context of public relations practitioners and political communicators. He is the author of several works of political history including, most recently, Republic of Spin: An Inside History of the American Presidency. spin doctor. The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public. Associate Professor, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The art or science of establishing and promoting a favorable relationship with the public. Definition of put a spin on in the Idioms Dictionary. Spin is a pejorative term often used in the context of public relations practitioners and political communicators. Voters in Elyria, Ohio cast their ballots during the presidential election on Tuesday. 2. Because of the frequent association between spin and press conferences (especially government press conferences), the room in which these conferences take place is sometimes described as a "spin room". Meaning of SPIN. When you spin, you whirl around in a circle. ‘They spin the story from an African American perspective, making us the center, not the periphery of the story.’ ‘One early tactic was to spin the story as a business failure rather than a political scandal.’ ‘Of course, the reporter spun the story that way to make it seem like Mr. Bush is … Another well-known example to whom the label has been applied is Peter Mandelson, who was head of British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s publicity machine and successful political campaigns. For the rock band, see, fictional spin doctor from the BBC comedy, "Tit for Tat on a Night Where Spin Is Master,", Internet spells end for political spin, says US web guru, "FTC Publishes Final Guides Governing Endorsements, Testimonials", "It's the Sun wot's switched sides back to Blair", The spin room – oily engine of the political meat grinder, OUTFOXED: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism, CIA Kennedy assassination conspiracy theory, Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections, Media censorship and disinformation during the Gezi Park protests, Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spin_(propaganda)&oldid=995214685, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. He was considered ruthless in his management of the media in favour of Blair’s message and using the media to cast opposers in a negative light. providing a biased interpretation of an event or campaigning to influence public opinion about some organization or public figure. Spinning is typically a service provided by paid media advisors and media consultants. George W. Bush preferred to send his message with a big gesture. During the Rhodesia crisis, Preventing access to journalists or broadcasters that are reporting to the disliking of the spin doctor. What is Political Socialization? Definition of putting a spin on in the Idioms Dictionary. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. For electrons, neutrons, and protons, the multiple is 0.5; pions have zero spin. The verb "spin doctoring" is also commonly used to describe the work that this person does. [11], “Spin doctors” such as Shea praised and respected Campbell's work. [14], The extent of “spin doctors’” impact is contested, though their presence is still recognized in the political environment. [2] Public relations advisors, pollsters and media consultants who develop deceptive or misleading messages may be referred to as "spin doctors" or "spinmeisters". 5 : to fish with spinning bait : troll. For electrons, neutrons, and protons, the multiple is 0.5; pions have zero spin. Abbr. definition of politics, will be discussed, in the hope to discover a true and fair interpretation of the word politics. Spin, without the accompanying doctor, had begun to be used in a political and promotional context in the late 1970s; for example, in the Guardian Weekly, January 1978: "The CIA can be an excellent source [of information], though, like every other, its offerings must be weighed for factuality and spin." The DP definition of spin focuses on what spin means to the public interest, not to any special interest such as the democratic or republican parties or their politicians. What does SPIN mean? While spin is often considered to be a private-sector tactic, in the 1990s and 2000s some politicians and political staff were accused of using deceptive "spin" tactics to manipulate or deceive the public. … [10] Campbell later acknowledged that his and the government's spinning had contributed to the electorate's growing distrust of politicians, and he asserted that spin must cease. The sub-headline Vox uses is an opinion statement — some people likely believe the lifting of the gas limit will strengthen the coal industry — but Vox included this statement in a piece not labeled “Opinion.” Source article Vox Bias Rating In this article about Hillary Clinton’s appearance on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," the author makes an assumption about Clinton’s motives and jumps to a subjective conclusion. It is always a dialogue, and never a monologue. The modern definition of spin doctor came about in the 1980s with the need for media sound bites―a concise phrase … Meaning of SPIN. The public is sick of spin and tired of promises. It is used to refer to the sophisticated selling of a specific message that is heavily biased in favour of one’s own position and that employs maximum management of the media with the intention of maintaining or exerting control over the situation, often implying deception or manipulation. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Spin. When turning to solutions, Fallows seeks change by encouraging the continuing development of "public journalism," in which issues are emphasized over personality and political spin.Such experiments have been going on for several years and have produced some novel approaches, such as treating elections as if the politicians were two job candidates competing for the same position. 7 : to engage in spin control (as in politics) transitive verb. [9], For years, businesses have used fake or misleading customer testimonials by editing/spinning customers to reflect a much more satisfied experience than was actually the case. While traditional public relations and advertising may manage their presentation of facts, "spin" often implies the use of disingenuous, deceptive, and manipulative tactics. See more. Its exact origin is uncertain, but the word is often used to describe public relations experts as well as political or corporate representatives whose job it is to put a "positive spin" on events or situations. A bestselling 1957 book, The Hidden Persuaders, portrayed the advertising business, political and otherwise, as a threat to democracy, expressing a fear that has persisted to our day. pl.n. In defense of political spin. [3][7] As information technology has increased since the end of the 20th century, commentators like Joe Trippi have advanced the theory that modern Internet activism spells the end for political spin, in that the Internet may reduce the effectiveness of spin by providing immediate counterpoints. pl.n. What does putting a spin on expression mean? Spin doctor definition: In politics , a spin doctor is someone who is skilled in public relations and who advises... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. He term “spin” in political communication is borrowed from sports, specifically baseball, where the one who throws the ball switching it in the way that is hard to pre- dict its trajectory by the one who needs to catch it. In politics, spin is the way in which political parties try to present everything they do in a positive way to the public and the media. Omissions? What are synonyms for Political spin? https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-spin. What does SPIN mean? ‘They spin the story from an African American perspective, making us the center, not the periphery of the story.’ ‘One early tactic was to spin the story as a business failure rather than a political scandal.’ ‘Of course, the reporter spun the story that way to make it seem like Mr. Bush is … This tactic could enable the company to refocus the public's attention away from the negative aspects of its product. Another word for spin. 6 a of an airplane : to fall in a spin. It is used to refer to the sophisticated selling of a Synonyms for Political spin in Free Thesaurus. White House Press Corps. In 1999, during the beginning of NATO's intervention in Kosovo, Shea's media strategy was non-existent before the arrival of Campbell and his team. Famous and successful “spinsters” in the political arena have included Mike McCurry, who was press secretary to U.S. President Bill Clinton and has been called a “spinmeister extraordinaire” for his ability to maintain charm and wit while occasionally misleading reporters, intimidating and also courting correspondents, and managing a litany of damaging stories coming out of an administration mired in controversy. putting a spin on phrase. Many kids love to spin on a merry-go-round. 'SPIN doctor' developed in the jargon of US politics. (Reuters/Aaron Josefczyk) Opinion by David Greenberg. 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