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Home , Adam Boulton, Ben Richards (actor), Bruce Byron, Kirsty Wark, Lou and Andy, Omnibus (broadcast)

THE GENERALELECTION ELECTION 2005 ThursdayI

Men about the

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 I blame the story. The main reason turn-off? Why should we switch on? for apathy is when voters feel that Andrew Marr (BBC): Because you either the outcome of the election is don't know the result. This election not going to make much difference to depends on how many people them, or they feel they can't make decide to vote. In 2001 we had one much difference to the outcome of of the lowest turnouts in Britain's the election because the result is a democratic history [see panel foregone conclusion. opposite]. This time it could go The best turnout recently was in considerably lower - and if it does 1992, and - guess what - that was a we'll see some very strange results close election. [John Major won a indeed. I talk to a lot of politicians, fourth consecutive Tory victory with and they all say it's weird out there. a 65-seat majority.] Nick Robinson (ITV): I agree. We Robinson: I agree. We shouldn't don't know whether the polls are assume that turnout will go down. right; we don't know how turnout It may not. will affect the result. If Blair is re-elected, the size of his majority If turnout does qo down, will will determine how long he can you be blaming yourselves for stay in office. not getting people excited about Adam Boulton (Sky): One way or the election? another, we're looking at the end of Robinson: No. I'll be sad because an era: has already said I believe in democracy. But it would be that he's going, so it's a question of fantastically self-important whether he goes this week or some to think that our reporting time after that. will determine whether people vote or not. Are politicians or broadcasters to Boulton: I don't think it blame for the apathy that appears would be our failure either. to surround these It's not politics days? our job to sell flj| Marr: I think both sides have dragged politics - we're there to the other down a bit. But the explain it. We want to politicians probably started it back reach out to viewers, but in the 1980s, when they developed it's their choice if they techniques for avoiding direct think it's worth voting or questions. They were told by all not. Professionally, I'm those clever doctors that the more worried about a dip thing to do is keep on repeating what in the ratings than I am they want to say, no matter what about a dip in turnout. they're asked. But I think it's fair to Marr: I don't believe in say that we [the media] have from hectoring people to time to time over-reacted. vote, but I do think Boulton: I don't blame either the there is something politicians or the reporters. In a sense, 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 who won't be voting! Why not? Boulton: I haven't voted since 1979. 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

Evenif you're not normally right track, but we've revised some broadcast (OB) cameras. "Every declare early and late. One of my interested in politics, the graphics and tweaked layouts and election has its memorable stories - in colleagues has spent a year checking chances are you'll get camera angles." 1997 it was Michael Portillo losing out town halls and counting centres caught up in the scale, the What won't necessarily be on show his seat; and in 2001 it was Peter so that if we decide to go there we drama and the excitement of general is the scale of the results service Mandelson's "I'm a fighter, not a know the exact camera position and election night. Television has operation. "We have a "stringer" at quitter" speech. We're fine-tuning have permission to be there. He's transformed the results evening into a every constituency count to phone in our plans now as stories develop. clocked up 100 venues so far." spectator sport, and on BBC1David the result. Many come from other "We'll have 55 OBs at a mixture Hundreds of stringers will also Dimbleby anchors an ll-hour-plus BBC departments and some, such as of constituencies, counting centres have video cameras, so if something broadcast. Behind him, an army of Michael Fish, are freelance." and party headquarters. You want exciting happens, tapes can be rushed no fewer than 1,800 people will be The key decision Stephenson faces pictures of the party leaders, big to the nearest newsroom or OB truck. reporting and collating results and, - and the other broadcasters, for that personalities and marginal seats, and Back at TV Centre, building the crucially, delivering the pictures of matter - is where he puts his outside you also want a mixture of seats that studio set is an eight-day operation. the night's big stories. Then there are ten days of rehearsals, "We've been anticipating a May and a day or two off to keep people election for at least nine months," says fresh for the big night. James Stephenson, editor of BBC1 "We have a fairly clear running Election Night. "In fact, as far back order for the first hour or so, and as as March last year, the day after soon as the results start coming in it's I started in the job, we were testing a question of assessing what the story graphics systems with Peter Snow." is and how to tell it," says Stephenson. As the pictures reveal, the His worst nightmare? "A power team had a weekend of failure. That would make life very rehearsals in February in hard." Not least for Peter Snow, a partially built studio, who this year has three trialling ideas and equipment, * swingometers. For plus engaging in a bit of backup there's a "Race to political role play. Downing Street" graphic "It's a vast system of people with computer-generated and computers, not just for the party leaders approaching programme but also feeding the door to Number Ten. into the BBC's election results Everything is in place - service," says Stephenson. "The let the political showcase tests confirmed we were on the begin! Geoff Ellis If politicians were elected on the basis of their TV appeal, Spiffing who'd make the cabinet? Pundit Matthew Norman thinks he knows... image In 1 960, Richard Nixon lost Prime Minister He's a touch at times of crisis, his soft Scottish "cripes" or "gadzooks" is perfect to a tight US election literally by sombre and staccato in front of the burr and old-fashioned courtesy, defuse a grilling from Paxo on the a whisker, his shifty-looking cameras - and therein, paradoxically, which suggest a 1950s rural GP, are latest set of disastrous crime figures. five o'clock shadow gifting to lies Gordon Brown's appeal to an worth their weight in emeralds. John F Kennedy a decisive live audience weary of TV slickness. His Secretary of State for Education TV debate that radio listeners who unrelaxedness suggests a man with Chancellor of the Exchequer The sleep-deprived but still lovable tuned in thought Nixon had clearly more important work on his mind Kenneth Clarke is the great lost Charles Kennedy didn't become won. Ever since, politicians have been than seducing the public, and in the Tory leader of modem times. His known as "Chat Show Charlie" for increasingly obsessed with how to long run a dash of gravitas is worth a dishevelled appearance balances a nothing. More adroit in the studios seem trustworthy and vaguely human million self-deprecating anecdotes. strain of self-belief that falls just the than the Commons, he has an air of to those watching at home. And when he chooses to unleash it, as right side of arrogance. No one does normality and decency. And who To endure the sight of Tony Blair when his son was born, he has the blokishness like Ken - can you see him better to look into the lens and say battling furious voters on various most glorious smile. lingering in make-up when there's "our children are our nation's future" networks, under the so-called free booze on tap in the green room? than a chap with a baby in his arms? "masochism strategy", is to Foreign Secretary The Liberal appreciate the paramount value Democrat deputy leader Menzies Home Secretary Boris Johnson is Secretary of State for Culture, placed on television performance. Campbell appears so often on one of the great political actors of the Media and Sport One thing we demented Very few politicians ever master that one suspects he has age. The platinum mop British adore is a fallen giant, and the medium at all, but those who a camp bed on the studio floor. and Beano vocabulary mask fierce the post-PM Tony Blair would revel that do reap enormous benefits. He never loses his rag or pushes an ambition. In a job revolves in the sympathy vote. Still a cute turn So, with our rose-tinted glasses argument an inch too far. Particularly around crisis management, the odd on the sofa with Richard and Judy, he has firmly affixed, we set about creating all the bases covered: he the ultimate cross-party fantasy claims to love sport, affects to adore on with those cabinet, the key qualification for theatre, and gets top which is an ability to take on the media moguls, Rupert Murdoch magic rectangle... and beat it. and Silvio Berlusconi. THURSDAY BBC1 BBC2 ITV1

Election Night The Robinsons Election 2005 9.55pm In full 9.30pm Home 10.00pm Cartoonist swing: the election discomforts: Gerald Scarfe fills wouldn't be the brothers George in the background same without the and Ed enjoy time for Alastair ever-energetic Peter together at their Stewart, Jonathan Snow and his trusty parents' house in a Dimbleby and vote-gauging device new, wry comedy Mary Nightingale

6.00 PM BBC News WithGeorge Alagiah and Sophie 6.00 PM Animal Park 6.00 PM Regional news magazine (s) 3891 Raworth. Includinga weather summary. (s) 921 Willthe flamingos take to their new home? And how Followedby Regional Weather do a wildgiraffe? (Revisedrpt) (S) 563 6.30 Regional news magazine (s) 501 you capture 6.30 ITV Evening News The latest updates. Followedby Weather with John Hammond. (s) 6.30 Dick � Dom's Ask the Family Weather with Becky Mantin.(S) The last in the series of RichardMcCourt and Dominic 7.00 War 7.00 People's Wood'stwisted spin on the quiz show favourite. (S)143 GREATERLONDON It's the end of Shadrach to evade arrest thanks to Calling. Show manages the Second WorldWar. and two London familiestell of 7.00 The Culture Denzil.Sadie is forced to keep Cain at arm's length. As Tate Modern celebrates its fifth Charles their contrasting experiences after heavy bombing. birthday, Writer John Chambers For cast see page 43 Hazlewoodconsiders the extent of its cultural tomorrow at on ITV2(S) (AD) 1679 Producer Grant Pollard;Executive producer DippyChaudhary (S) 9211 impact. Repeated 2pm Plus, Matthew Sweet on how TVtaught us parenting, 7.30 LONDONTales from the Francis SOUTHEAST Hellfire Comer Jitterbugs and Doodlebugs his latest and a Country Tony on the NickHornby on novel, previewof Robert finds out how birds of are used to deal Frontline. A reunion dance night for three of Nineteen prey being who once entertained in Folkestone. Lepage's production opera Eighty-Four. with the problem of pigeons at Westminster people troops Producer Julian Birkett; Executive editor Entwistle Abbey. Director David Producer Ian Neale 9211 George Producer Tony Francis (S) 853 Stevenson; (S) Repeated at 11.55pm (S) www..co.uk/cultureshow 7940 EAST One Day in May. A housewife with a missing Bushcraft ANGLIACountry Days Paul Heiney meets the 8.00 Ray Mears's coastal folk who the waves to earn a husband, a German soldier imprisoned in Essex and Prairies.On a into the Old defy living American journey West, and finds out how and the a rebellious young girl tell their stories of VE Day. followsin the footsteps of Jim Bridger,who sheep ponies manage Producer Patrick Executive Diana Hare (S) 9211 Ray forged richest nature reserves of Suffolk. McGrady; producer RT CHOOCEa across 3/5. America's continental divide. From A VEDay anniversary concert from London'sTrafalgar Square,A Party path Director/Producer Eddie Anderson (S) 853 to Remember Live,is broadcast on BBC1and BBCRadio next Sunday constructing a boat out of willowand buffalohide, to 8.00 7.30 EastEnders preserving meat and berries, he utilises the skillsof such mountain men - and of the native Shoshone. Adam appears to be heading for a breakdown after Pauline meets her granddaughter and makes a Producer Matt Brandon;Series producer Ben Southwell (S)(AD) 3360 he interrogates Tamsinabout her role in the crash life-changingdecision. Mintyfaces a nightmare. that killed his On her return to Ramani 9.00 family. work, Writer Deborah Cook This week's episodes produced by George is horrified to be arrested for harassment. Suzie Ormond and directed by David Kester Cast on page 43 Repeated 1/8. In the first series Sebastian is of the new jealous worries that she have acted having a at 10pm on BBC3 (S) (AD)www.bbc.co.uk/ 785 aide, and Lou and attend the opera. may hastily by Treasury Andy girl put into care after her sister died of an overdose 8.00 20th Century Roadshow Writers and Director Steve Bendelack; Producer Myfanwy Moore (R) (S) 7698 DCSuzieSim Wendy Kweh DC Terry Perkins Bruce Byron 3/10. At BillyButlin's first holiday camp in Skegness, DS Ramani DeCosta Behind the scenes at the Baftas: page 14 PC Roger Valentine John Bowler Lincolnshire,Suzi Ouatro takes Alan Titchmarsh Thusitha Jayasundera PC Tony Stamp Graham CoH through her collection of bass guitars. Plus fashion 9.30 The Robinsons LynnHarrison Annette Bentley Alexis Miranda cook expert TracyTolkien on the evolutionof the swimming series 1/6. Martin Freeman, Hugh Bonneville KellyHarrison Andy Wells Peter Barrett costume and showbiz expert DavidLashmar sifts and AbigailCruttenden star as sitcom siblings the Heather-Louise Cameron JaneChisholm Sally Wals* nNew Mike Harrison Kenneth Bryans PC Leela Kapoor Seema Bowri through a collection of singles by Jethro Tull. Robinsons:Ed, who lives with his aunt and does a job he a time consultant DINeil Manson Andrew Lancel PC Dan Casper Chris Jarvis Director Mark Ashton; Series producer John Miller (S) 286018 hates; George, management MargaretBarnes AnnabelleApsion DICronin Andrew Pleavin DIRECT: 20th RoadshowE8.99 RT hardbackbook Century (RRPE9.99) obsessed with organisation;and Vicky,a perfectionist Writer Matthew Leys More cast on www.thebill.com to Radio Times, to: RT Direct, PO Box Wednesday includingp �p.Cheques, payable interior designer. The familyface a clown's suicide. Rptd at 11pmon ITV3 Omnibus: Saturday on ITV3(S) (AD) 7394 326, Sittingbourne ME9 8FA. Or call 0870 770 7979 (national rate) Ed Martin Freeman Box office assistant Giles New Ask the experts: page 35 9.00 Footballers' Wives George Hugh Bonneville Shop assistant Jim Field Smith 8.55 of Life Cruttenden Mr Smartie Oliver Bradshaw 6/9. Bruno's club Nabakov's Cocoon is hitting the Journey Vicky Abigail all it 3/5. Airborne - Evolutionof the Air. Steve Leonard Pam Anna Massey Nigel Eric Carte headlines for the wrong reasons and, as usual, is wife who has to discovers how livingthings first grew wings and Hector Richard Johnson Girl in cafe MoiraOpazo Lucy pay the price. Shannon how all animals are descended from four Maggie Amanda Root Young Ed Jack Dawes decides to "adopt-a-granny" but Harley is not best flying just Albert Jamie Hawkins-Dady Young George Jack Stanley ancestors who achieved the miracle of pleased to be sharing a house with an OAP.Hazel and lucky flight. Peter Anthony Calf Young Vicky Amy King Jackie can't understand is hard Along the way, he encounters spectacular flying Nora Georgia Mackenzie Polly Amanda Abbington why Roger being so on his son Seb and him on the subs bench. creatures from houseflies to whooper swans, plus Amanda Lucy Montgomery leaving Justin the hang-glider sized giants of the prehistoric skies. Writer/Director/Producers MarkBussell and Sbresni (S) 50124 Lucy Milligan Helen Lathami Conrad Gates BenPric* ProducerNigel Bean; Series producer Miles Barton (S) 997747 Martin Freeman interview: page 31; One to watch: page 61 Bruno Milligan Ben Richardsi Hazel Bailey Alison Newman 10.00 Dead Seb Webb Tom Swirei Mrs Birkeham Cherry Morris 9.55 PM-6.00 AM Election Ringers Jackie Webb Gillian Taylfortr,i Enka Georgia Mitchell Night New series 1/6. A break from the serious side of Weeks of campaigning and political wranglingare Roger Webb Jesse BirdsallI Neil Fox Himself now the nation election night sees a host of politicalfigures among Shannon Lawson Sarah BarrandI Angelica Courtney Akers over,the votes have been cast and Jamie Davis Will Ashcroft find out who willform the new Government. the celebrities being lampooned by Jon Culshaw,Jan Harley Lawson , Lloyd waits to and AmberGates laila Rouass; MrLeonard George Little Host David sets the scene for the Ravens,Phil Cornwell,Kevin Connelly MarkPerry. Dimbleby night Directors Pati Marr and Ben Producer Gareth Edwards Writer Guy Picot; Producer Cameron Roach; Director SJ Clarkson Fuller; next Wed on ITV2 Footballers' WivesTV: on 7150 to come and the first real indicator,the exit poll Repeated next week www.bbc.co.uk/deadringers 31501 Rptd 10pm ITV2 (S) figures, are analysed. At 10.15 Fiona Bruce presents 10.30 Best in Show **** 10.00 PM-6.00 AM Election 2005 a of the latest national news. round-up Sharp satire about show and their owners from Jonathan Dimbleby,, NickRobinson Then it's full steam ahead for the team as dogs they the co-creators of ThisIs Spinal Tap,featuring and Mary Nightingale present live coverage of the the results, and all the human drama bring analysis Christopher Guest,Michael McKean, Catherine results as they are announced, with analysis and of this seminal night in the politicalcalendar. O'Hara and Review 57. regular news updates, along with instant reaction the while Eugene Levy. page talks to key players, Director Christopher Guest (2000, 12) (S) (W) 3065414 from the key players. IncludingITV News and local Andrew Marr finds out what the parties are saying election at and 3.45. 11.55 The Culture ShOW Shown at 7pm 326330 coverage 11.45,1.45 off the record. Fiona Bruce provides election news cartoonist Gerald Scarfe sketches 12.55 AMLee Marvin - a Personal Portrait John Award-winning updates throughout the night and Peter Snow by the most memorable moments of the night, while Boorman A portrait of the presents his latest state-of-the-art, virtual-reality riveting,anecdote-packed Nicholas Owen travels by helicopter between key the Natasha hell-raising,gruff-voiced actor from 1999. graphics, including swingometer. Director Boorman from 10 7690525 constituencies to gauge the public mood. Anna Ford, Wark,John John (R) (S) Postponed April Kaplinsky, Kirsty Simpson Then The Witness A historic event recalled. (R)(S) And Mark Austin and Katie Derham mingle with and Rageh Omaar are among those reporting on all the guests - set to include George Monbiot,Martin the shocks and surprises occurring around the UK. 2.00-6.00 AM BBC Leaming Zone www.bbcco.uk/learningzone Bell,Ian Hislop, and Richard are not Director Rob Hopkin:Editor James Stephenson (S) 63465501 Schools Repeats indicated. Branson - at the election night party on a luxury EMAIL:[email protected] www.bbc.co.uk/election2005 2.00 Key Stage Three Bitesize Revision Science Three BBCi:the red button on the handset willprovide a wealth of additional Further aspects of biology, chemistry and physics for boat opposite the Houses of Parliament. informationfor digitalviewers, including a full results service, a four- students preparing to take the higher tier tests. (S)41761 Executive producer Craig Oliver (S) 4781360 screen selection and a special edition of 10o'clock News Extra 4.00 GCSE Bitesize Revision Schools History Project Meet the political editors: page 22 Meet the political editors: page 22; How the live broadcast Covering Medicine through Time and the American How the live broadcast works: page 25 works: The cabinet: 26 two of the most courses. 79525 The cabinet: 26 page 25; telegenic page West, popular (S) telegenic page I