ELECTION 2005
Men about the
I THE GENERAL ELECTION
Thursday
They're the ones who usually ask the questions. This time it's us. Do TV's top political pundits think the election will get us tuning in?
Has the election become a bit of a turn-off? Why should we switch on? Andrew Marr (BBC): Because you don't know the result. This election
depends on how many people decide to vote. In 2001 we had one of the lowest turnouts in Britain's democratic history [see panel opposite]. This time it could go considerably lower - and if it does we'll see some very strange results indeed. I talk to a lot of politicians, and they all say it's weird out there. Nick Robinson (ITV): I agree. We
don't know whether the polls are
right; we don't know how turnout will affect the result. If Blair is
re-elected, the size of his majority will determine how long he can
stay in office. Adam Boulton (Sky): One way or
another, we're looking at the end of an era: Tony Blair has already said that he's going, so it's a question of whether he goes this week or some time after that.
Are politicians or broadcasters to blame for the apathy that appears to surround politics these days? Marr: I think both sides have dragged the other down a bit. But the
politicians probably started it back in the 1980s, when they developed techniques for avoiding direct
questions. They were told by all those clever spin doctors that the
thing to do is keep on repeating what
they want to say, no matter what
they're asked. But I think it's fair to
say that we [the media] have from time to time over-reacted. Boulton: I don't blame either the
politicians or the reporters. In a sense,
I blame the story. The main reason for apathy is when voters feel that
either the outcome of the election is
not going to make much difference to
them, or they feel they can't make
much difference to the outcome of
the election because the result is a
foregone conclusion. The best turnout recently was in
1992, and - guess what - that was a
close election. [John Major won a
fourth consecutive Tory victory with a 65-seat majority.] Robinson: I agree. We shouldn't
assume that turnout will go down.
It may not.
If turnout does qo down, will
you be blaming yourselves for not getting people excited about the election?
Robinson: No. I'll be sad because
I believe in democracy. But it would be
fantastically self-important to think that our reporting will determine whether
people vote or not. Boulton: I don't think it would be our failure either. It's not our job to sell flj| politics - we're there to
explain it. We want to reach out to viewers, but it's their choice if they think it's worth voting or not. Professionally, I'm more worried about a dip in the ratings than I am about a dip in turnout. Marr: I don't believe in
hectoring people to
vote, but I do think there is something called civic duty.
Has the style of political reporting changed to better engage viewers? Robinson: I think you're getting less of what I call "duty broadcasting". Nowadays we try to apply the same standards to an election story as any other. Is it new? Is it important? Is it
interesting? There's always a danger that a white, middle-aged bloke in a suit who hangs around politicians appears to be "them" - the MPs - not
"us", the viewers. So we try to put ourselves in the viewers' heads. What is the question they want to ask? Boulton: Political editors are now also commentators - we don't take
everything the parties do at face value. We try to lift the veil and show
people how and why they're being manipulated by the politicians.
How have the party spin doctors been behaving? Robinson: I'm happy to say that
nobody is shouting at me. I don't
know if you two agree, but I do think
there has been a change in culture in
all the parties in the past few years. Marr: Yes, I think they have realised
that being reasonable works better.
So the bullying has stopped? Boulton: Yes. But I think that's partly because the three of us are rather more robust than some of our
predecessors. I think there was, not so
long ago, an era of political editors who basically saw it as their job to
repeat what spin doctors said, and therefore it became very effective for
spin doctors to whisper in their ears.
A final question. How are you going to vote? Marr: I will vote - but I'm not going to say how. Robinson: I always vote. But I'm not
going to tell you who for. Boulton: I won't be voting.
A political editor who won't be
voting! Why not? Boulton: I haven't voted since 1979. David Frost said to me once: "I don't vote because they are all my friends." I wouldn't exactly regard them as my friends [laughs], but personal feelings and feelings about policy do get confused - I find it easier knowing that I can talk to the party leaders without feeling that I'm involved.
The three wise men were talking to Vincent Graff
It's the biggest live broadcast of 2005 and the planning lasts longer than the campaigning. The man in charge of BBC TV's election night coverage explains what's involved
Geoff Ellis
Even if you're not normally interested in politics, the chances are you'll get caught up in the scale, the
drama and the excitement of general election night. Television has transformed the results evening into a
spectator sport, and on BBC1 David
Dimbleby anchors an ll-hour-plus broadcast. Behind him, an army of no fewer than 1,800 people will be
reporting and collating results and, crucially, delivering the pictures of the night's big stories.
"We've been anticipating a May election for at least nine months," says James Stephenson, editor of BBC1 Election Night. "In fact, as far back as March last year, the day after I started in the job, we were testing graphics systems with Peter Snow."
As the pictures reveal, the team had a weekend of rehearsals in February in a partially built studio,
trialling ideas and equipment, plus engaging in a bit of
political role play. "It's a vast system of people
and computers, not just for the
programme but also feeding into the BBC's election results
service," says Stephenson. "The tests confirmed we were on the
right track, but we've revised some
graphics and tweaked layouts and camera angles."
What won't necessarily be on show is the scale of the results service
operation. "We have a "stringer" at
every constituency count to phone in the result. Many come from other
BBC departments and some, such as Michael Fish, are freelance."
The key decision Stephenson faces - and the other broadcasters, for that
matter - is where he puts his outside
broadcast (OB) cameras. "Every election has its memorable stories - in 1997 it was Michael Portillo losing his seat; and in 2001 it was Peter Mandelson's "I'm a fighter, not a
quitter" speech. We're fine-tuning our plans now as stories develop.
"We'll have 55 OBs at a mixture
of constituencies, counting centres
and party headquarters. You want
pictures of the party leaders, big personalities and marginal seats, and
you also want a mixture of seats that
declare early and late. One of my
colleagues has spent a year checking out town halls and counting centres
so that if we decide to go there we
know the exact camera position and
have permission to be there. He's clocked up 100 venues so far."
Hundreds of stringers will also have video cameras, so if something exciting happens, tapes can be rushed
to the nearest newsroom or OB truck. Back at TV Centre, building the
studio set is an eight-day operation. Then there are ten days of rehearsals, and a day or two off to keep people fresh for the big night.
"We have a fairly clear running order for the first hour or so, and as soon as the results start coming in it's a question of assessing what the story is and how to tell it," says Stephenson.
His worst nightmare? "A power failure. That would make life very hard." Not least for Peter Snow,
who this year has three * swingometers. For
backup there's a "Race to
Downing Street" graphic with computer-generated party leaders approaching the door to Number Ten.
Everything is in place - let the political showcase
begin!
Spiffing
image
If politicians were elected on
the basis of their TV appeal, who'd make the cabinet? Pundit Matthew Norman thinks he knows...
Matthew Norman
In 1 960, Richard Nixon lost a tight US election literally by a whisker, his shifty-looking five o'clock shadow gifting to John F Kennedy a decisive live
TV debate that radio listeners who tuned in thought Nixon had clearly won. Ever since, politicians have been
increasingly obsessed with how to seem trustworthy and vaguely human to those watching at home.
To endure the sight of Tony Blair
battling furious voters on various
networks, under the so-called "masochism strategy", is to
appreciate the paramount value
placed on television performance.
Very few politicians ever master the medium at all, but those who
do reap enormous benefits.
So, with our rose-tinted glasses
firmly affixed, we set about creating the ultimate cross-party fantasy cabinet, the key qualification for which is an ability to take on the
magic rectangle... and beat it.
Prime Minister He's a touch sombre and staccato in front of the
cameras - and therein, paradoxically, lies Gordon Brown's appeal to an
audience weary of TV slickness. His
unrelaxedness suggests a man with
more important work on his mind
than seducing the public, and in the
long run a dash of gravitas is worth a
million self-deprecating anecdotes. And when he chooses to unleash it, as
when his son was born, he has the
most glorious smile.
Foreign Secretary The Liberal
Democrat deputy leader Menzies
Campbell appears so often on
Newsnight that one suspects he has
a camp bed on the studio floor.
He never loses his rag or pushes an
argument an inch too far. Particularly
at times of crisis, his soft Scottish burr and old-fashioned courtesy, which suggest a 1950s rural GP, are worth their weight in emeralds.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Kenneth Clarke is the great lost
Tory leader of modem times. His dishevelled appearance balances a strain of self-belief that falls just the
right side of arrogance. No one does
blokishness like Ken - can you see him
lingering in make-up when there's free booze on tap in the green room?
Home Secretary Boris Johnson is
one of the great political actors of the
age. The demented platinum mop and Beano vocabulary mask fierce ambition. In a job that revolves
around crisis management, the odd
"cripes" or "gadzooks" is perfect to defuse a grilling from Paxo on the latest set of disastrous crime figures.
Secretary of State for Education The sleep-deprived but still lovable Charles Kennedy didn't become known as "Chat Show Charlie" for
nothing. More adroit in the studios than the Commons, he has an air of
normality and decency. And who better to look into the lens and say "our children are our nation's future" than a chap with a baby in his arms?
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport One thing we British adore is a fallen giant, and the post-PM Tony Blair would revel in the sympathy vote. Still a cute turn on the sofa with Richard and Judy, he has all the bases covered: he claims to love sport, affects to adore
theatre, and gets on with those top media moguls, Rupert Murdoch and Silvio Berlusconi.
THURSDAY
BBC1
Election Night 9.55pm In full swing: the election wouldn't be the same without the ever-energetic Peter
Snow and his trusty vote-gauging device
6.00 PM BBC News With George Alagiah and Sophie Raworth. Including a weather summary. (s) 921
6.30 Regional news magazine (s) 501 Followed by Weather with John Hammond. (s)
7.00 People's War GREATER LONDON London Calling. It's the end of the Second World War. and two London families tell of their contrasting experiences after heavy bombing. Producer Grant Pollard; Executive producer Dippy Chaudhary (S) 9211
SOUTHEAST Hellfire Comer Jitterbugs and Doodlebugs on the Frontline. A reunion dance night for three
people who once entertained troops in Folkestone. Director David Stevenson; Producer Ian Neale (S) 9211
EAST One Day in May. A housewife with a missing husband, a German soldier imprisoned in Essex and a rebellious young girl tell their stories of VE Day. Producer Patrick McGrady; Executive producer Diana Hare (S) 9211 A VE Day anniversary concert from London's Trafalgar Square, A Party to Remember Live, is broadcast on BBC1 and BBC Radio next Sunday
7.30 EastEnders Pauline meets her granddaughter and makes a life-changing decision. Minty faces a nightmare. Writer Deborah Cook This week's episodes produced by George Ormond and directed by David Kester Cast on page 43 Repeated at 10pm on BBC3 (S) (AD) www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders 785
8.00 20th Century Roadshow 3/10. At Billy Butlin's first holiday camp in Skegness,
Lincolnshire, Suzi Ouatro takes Alan Titchmarsh through her collection of bass guitars. Plus fashion expert Tracy Tolkien on the evolution of the swimming costume and showbiz expert David Lashmar sifts through a collection of singles by Jethro Tull. Director Mark Ashton; Series producer John Miller (S) 286018 RT DIRECT: hardback book 20th Century Roadshow E8.99 (RRP E9.99) including p�p. Cheques, payable to Radio Times, to: RT Direct, PO Box 326, Sittingbourne ME9 8FA. Or call 0870 770 7979 (national rate) Ask the experts: page 35
8.55 Journey of Life 3/5. Airborne - Evolution of the Air. Steve Leonard discovers how living things first grew wings and how all flying animals are descended from just four lucky ancestors who achieved the miracle of flight. Along the way, he encounters spectacular flying creatures from houseflies to whooper swans, plus the hang-glider sized giants of the prehistoric skies. Producer Nigel Bean; Series producer Miles Barton (S) 997747
9.55 PM-6.00 AM Election Night Weeks of campaigning and political wrangling are
over, the votes have been cast and now the nation waits to find out who will form the new Government.
Host David Dimbleby sets the scene for the night to come and the first real indicator, the exit poll figures, are analysed. At 10.15 Fiona Bruce presents a round-up of the latest national news.
Then it's full steam ahead for the team as they bring the results, analysis and all the human drama of this seminal night in the political calendar.
Jeremy Paxman talks to the key players, while Andrew Marr finds out what the parties are saying off the record. Fiona Bruce provides election news updates throughout the night and Peter Snow presents his latest state-of-the-art, virtual-reality graphics, including the swingometer. Natasha Kaplinsky, Anna Ford, Kirsty Wark, John Simpson and Rageh Omaar are among those reporting on all the shocks and surprises occurring around the UK. Director Rob Hopkin: Editor James Stephenson (S) 63465501 EMAIL: [email protected] www.bbc.co.uk/election2005 BBCi: the red button on the handset will provide a wealth of additional information for digital viewers, including a full results service, a four- screen selection and a special edition of 10 o'clock News Extra Meet the political editors: page 22; How the live broadcast works: page 25; The telegenic cabinet: page 26
BBC2
The Robinsons 9.30pm Home discomforts: brothers George and Ed enjoy time together at their parents' house in a new, wry comedy
6.00 PM Animal Park Will the flamingos take to their new home? And how do you capture a wild giraffe? (Revised rpt) (S) 563
6.30 Dick � Dom's Ask the Family The last in the series of Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood's twisted spin on the quiz show favourite. (S) 143
7.00 The Culture Show As Tate Modern celebrates its fifth birthday, Charles Hazlewood considers the extent of its cultural impact. Plus, Matthew Sweet on how TV taught us parenting, Nick Hornby on his latest novel, and a preview of Robert Lepage's production of opera Nineteen Eighty-Four. Producer Julian Birkett; Executive editor George Entwistle Repeated at 11.55pm (S) www.bbc.co.uk/cultureshow 7940
8.00 Ray Mears's Bushcraft
RT CHOOCE 3/5.
American Prairies. On a journey into the Old West, Ray follows in the footsteps of Jim Bridger, who forged a path across America's continental divide. From constructing a boat out of willow and buffalo hide, to preserving meat and berries, he utilises the skills of such mountain men - and of the native Shoshone. Producer Matt Brandon; Series producer Ben Southwell (S) (AD) 3360
9.00 Little Britain 1/8. In the first series Sebastian is jealous of the new Treasury aide, and Lou and Andy attend the opera. Writers Matt Lucas and David Walliams Director Steve Bendelack; Producer Myfanwy Moore (R) (S) 7698
Behind the scenes at the Baftas: page 14
9.30 The Robinsons
nNew
series 1/6. Martin Freeman, Hugh Bonneville and Abigail Cruttenden star as sitcom siblings the Robinsons: Ed, who lives with his aunt and does a job he hates; George, a time management consultant obsessed with organisation; and Vicky, a perfectionist interior designer. The family face a clown's suicide. Ed Martin Freeman George Hugh Bonneville Vicky Abigail Cruttenden Pam Anna Massey Hector Richard Johnson Maggie Amanda Root Albert Jamie Hawkins-Dady Peter Anthony Calf Nora Georgia Mackenzie
Box office assistant Giles New Shop assistant Jim Field Smith Mr Smartie Oliver Bradshaw
Nigel Eric Carte Girl in cafe MoiraOpazo Young Ed Jack Dawes Young George Jack Stanley Young Vicky Amy King Polly Amanda Abbington
Amanda Lucy Montgomery Writer/Director/Producers Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni (S) 50124 Martin Freeman interview: page 31; One to watch: page 61
10.00 Dead Ringers New series 1/6. A break from the serious side of election night sees a host of political figures among the celebrities being lampooned by Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Phil Cornwell, Kevin Connelly and Mark Perry. Directors Pati Marr and Ben Fuller; Producer Gareth Edwards Repeated next week www.bbc.co.uk/deadringers 31501
10.30 Best in Show **** Sharp satire about show dogs and their owners from the co-creators of This Is Spinal Tap, featuring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy. Review page 57. Director Christopher Guest (2000, 12) (S) (W) 3065414
11.55 The Culture ShOW Shown at 7pm 326330
12.55 AM Lee Marvin - a Personal Portrait by John Boorman A riveting, anecdote-packed portrait of the hell-raising, gruff-voiced actor from 1999. Director John Boorman (R) (S) Postponed from 10 April 7690525
Then The Witness A historic event recalled. (R) (S) 2.00-6.00 AM BBC Leaming Zone www.bbcco.uk/learningzone
Schools Repeats are not indicated. 2.00 Key Stage Three Bitesize Revision Science Three Further aspects of biology, chemistry and physics for students preparing to take the higher tier tests. (S) 41761 4.00 GCSE Bitesize Revision Schools History Project Covering Medicine through Time and the American West, two of the most popular courses. (S) 79525
ITV1 Election 2005
10.00pm Cartoonist Gerald Scarfe fills in the background for Alastair Stewart, Jonathan Dimbleby and Mary Nightingale
6.00 PM Regional news magazine (s) 3891
Followed by Regional Weather
6.30 ITV Evening News The latest updates. Weather with Becky Mantin.(S)
7.00 Emmerdale Shadrach manages to evade arrest thanks to Denzil. Sadie is forced to keep Cain at arm's length. Writer John Chambers For cast see page 43 Repeated tomorrow at 2pm on ITV2 (S) (AD) 1679
7.30 LONDON Tales from the Country Tony Francis finds out how birds of prey are being used to deal with the problem of pigeons at Westminster Abbey. Producer Tony Francis (S) 853
ANGLIA Country Days Paul Heiney meets the coastal folk who defy the waves to earn a living and finds out how sheep and ponies manage the richest nature reserves of Suffolk. Director/Producer Eddie Anderson (S) 853
8.00 The Bill Adam appears to be heading for a breakdown after he interrogates Tamsin about her role in the crash that killed his family. On her return to work, Ramani is horrified to be arrested for harassment. Suzie worries that she may have acted hastily by having a girl put into care after her sister died of an overdose DCSuzieSim Wendy Kweh DS Ramani De Costa
Thusitha Jayasundera Lynn Harrison Annette Bentley Kelly Harrison
Heather-Louise Cameron Mike Harrison Kenneth Bryans DI Neil Manson Andrew Lancel Margaret Barnes Annabelle Apsion
DC Terry Perkins Bruce Byron PC Roger Valentine John Bowler PC Tony Stamp Graham CoH Alexis Miranda cook Andy Wells Peter Barrett JaneChisholm Sally Wals* PC Leela Kapoor Seema Bowri PC Dan Casper Chris Jarvis DICronin Andrew Pleavin
Writer Matthew Leys More cast on Wednesday www.thebill.com Rptd at 11pm on ITV3 Omnibus: Saturday on ITV3 (S) (AD) 7394
9.00 Footballers' Wives 6/9. Bruno's club Nabakov's Cocoon is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons and, as usual, it is wife Lucy who has to pay the price. Shannon decides to "adopt-a-granny" but Harley is not best pleased to be sharing a house with an OAP. Hazel and Jackie can't understand why Roger is being so hard on his son Seb and leaving him on the subs bench. Lucy Milligan Helen Latham Bruno Milligan Ben Richards Seb Webb Tom Swire Jackie Webb Gillian Taylfortr, Roger Webb Jesse Birdsall Shannon Lawson Sarah Barrand Harley Lawson Jamie Davis AmberGates laila Rouass
i Conrad Gates BenPric* i Hazel Bailey Alison Newman i Mrs Birkeham Cherry Morris i Enka Georgia Mitchell I Neil Fox Himself I Angelica Courtney Akers
, Lloyd Will Ashcroft ; Mr Leonard George Little
Writer Guy Picot; Producer Cameron Roach; Director SJ Clarkson Rptd next Wed on ITV2 Footballers' Wives TV: 10pm on ITV2 (S) 7150
10.00 PM-6.00 AM Election 2005 Jonathan Dimbleby, Alastair Stewart, Nick Robinson
and Mary Nightingale present live coverage of the results as they are announced, with analysis and regular news updates, along with instant reaction from the key players. Including ITV News and local election coverage at 11.45,1.45 and 3.45.
Award-winning cartoonist Gerald Scarfe sketches the most memorable moments of the night, while Nicholas Owen travels by helicopter between key constituencies to gauge the public mood.
And Mark Austin and Katie Derham mingle with the guests - set to include George Monbiot, Martin Bell, Ian Hislop, Germaine Greer and Richard Branson - at the election night party on a luxury boat opposite the Houses of Parliament. Executive producer Craig Oliver (S) 4781360 Meet the political editors: page 22 How the live broadcast works: page 25 The telegenic cabinet: page 26
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