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: Election2005@bbc.co.uk 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

I