Sky, the BBC and ITN have been teaming up to campaign for this for the last few elections, but what's very different here is that Sky are saying they will definitely hold the debate whether all the leaders turn up or not! Quite how they'll get around the very tight impartiatlity rules around election time I'm not sure.
They'll broadcast it on Sky News, skynews.com and across commercial radio on IRN/Sky News Radio and will offer it up to any other TV & Radio broadcasters who want it.
Another example of Sky throwing it's weight about. If a debate takes place, there should be a series of them US style shown on all prime channels. A single one off could not cover all issues without it being tediously long and as a result being boring to the vast majority of viewers.
Say three, one produced by the BBC, the second by ITV/4 and the third by BSkyB transmitted simultaneously on BBC ONE, ITV and Sky One with repeats on other channels.
Each to have a theme, say The Economy, Home Affairs and Foreign/Defence.
I really dislike Sky's approach to this, and the obvious Cameron bias that has taken over Riley's Sky News... Why is it necessary to run this non-news story as a breaking news ticker. The Election campaign hasn't kicked off yet, so why even begin a public campaign for it.
(The headline text is just there twice to try to pick up more search engine traffic)
Looking at the papers online, I see their campaign has got coverage in The Times and the Sun. What was that about capitalism ensuring an independent press?
Quite how they'll get around the very tight impartiatlity rules around election time I'm not sure.
I presume they are working on the same principle as point 6.10 of the OFCOM code
Quote:
6.10 In addition to Rule 6.9, broadcasters must offer the opportunity to take part in constituency or electoral area reports and discussions, to all candidates within the constituency or electoral area representing parties with previous significant electoral support or where there is evidence of significant current support. This also applies to independent candidates.
(However, if a candidate refuses or is unable to participate, the item may nevertheless go ahead.)
.
I have nothing against Jane Secker but I really fail to see the logic behind her presenting News At 10 this evening when someone like Paula Middlehurst is being wasted on the 15 minute round ups.
I have nothing against Jane Secker but I really fail to see the logic behind her presenting News At 10 this evening when someone like Paula Middlehurst is being wasted on the 15 minute round ups.
Agreed. As far as I know Paula hasn't presented any of the main bulletins since her return several weeks ago despite countless opportunities. I like Jayne though and think she's a rising star if indeed she's leaving her reporting days behind her, but preference must be given to those with more experience in the newsroom.
Paula did Weekend Lunchtime about three times a couple of months ago but that has been it as far as main bulletins are concerned
Sky are just wasting her on NSW instead
Also off note is that Gillian isn't doing News at 10 this weekend - for the past few months she has been the main relief on that. Hopefully not another experienced presenter being sidelined