News Coverage Tory Leadership Race - News Coverage

[Jon]

Last time Sky would have had a Johson / Hunt debate but Johnson declined to attend so it didn't happen.  They did however both appear on ITV and then the BBC followed a couple of days later with the one-to-one interviews with Andrew Neil.

The BBC also planned a Question Time special with Johnson and Hunt but it didn't end up happening.
There was also a debate on Talk radio after the ITV one, moderated by Tom Newton Dunn. It'll be interesting to see if Talk TV plans something similar.

Wasn’t that actually the Sun debate? Which presumably made talkRADIO the natural place for it to be broadcast?

Although presumably it would be Talk TV branded now, or possibly ‘The Sun, The Times & Talk TV debate.

[natashajacobs]

Any chance GB News might be in the market for a debate, being the main right leaning news channel in a conservative election?

[lepeterrr]

When they say "The debate will take place at ITV's White City studios" I'm assuming they mean Television Centre, studio 2 or 3.

Can't rule out TC1 but TC2 is more likely.

I feel like TC1 will be used, also considering that TC2 has to be set up for Lorraine the next morning.

[Brekkie]

That's no problem though with Peston on Wednesday nights - indeed that might be the set they'd use. The GMB studio another possibility - it's what the megadesk has been waiting for.

I guess if they have an audience though TC1 most likely. Indeed how would an audience for such a debate usually be recruited - surely all Conservative voters would have issues of bias?

[Steve]

Unless I’ve misread something, I’m sure it said the audience would be virtual?

[London Lite]

Any chance GB News might be in the market for a debate, being the main right leaning news channel in a conservative election?

Considering most of the candidates are targeting the GB News demo, they should do one.

[eyeTV]

Channel 4 now have a debate on Friday night at 7pm before both ITV & Sky News.

[BBI45]

I don't get the point of all these debates. I have absolutely no say in who becomes PM at this time, so all this'll do is allow me to see what I like/dislike about whoever wins.

[AaronTV]

I don't get the point of all these debates. I have absolutely no say in who becomes PM at this time, so all this'll do is allow me to see what I like/dislike about whoever wins.

Maybe it’s… not all about you?

It’s an effective stress test for how the candidates cope under scrutiny, and it’s a useful demonstration of what each candidate’s key policies are and why they want to be leader. 

It’s key PSB programming, and the last debate actually did rather well for ITV, for example. 

Rare to find an example of someone calling for less PSB content, and less content which people actually want to watch!

[CantGetIn]

Well I'd want to know what their ideas are if they are taking over the country., so the debates to serve a purpose as I'm sure many feel the same.

[Brekkie]

Is an argument that at least one broadcaster should do an "Other Leaders" debate for them to put forward their views for the country too.

[DavidWhitfield]

I wouldn't say so personally, Brekkie.

If you already have all of the candidates who are eligible to get 'the top job' outlining their view for the country, I don't see what having representatives from other parties saying different variants of "oh, our party would be much better at [tackling whatever issue] than them" adds.

A general election is the time to hear from representatives from different parties - this is an entirely different kettle of fish.

For what it's worth, I completely disagree with some others' comments that these debates are pointless. I am fascinated to hear the candidates' visions for the country - especially as there are a few complete unknowns (to me, at least) in the mix. I'll be watching with interest.

[stegb1987]

Channel 4 now have a debate on Friday night at 7pm before both ITV & Sky News.

Just waiting on BBC now to take the crown from Channel 4 after they took it off ITV who took it off Sky News for first dabs

[Brekkie]

I guess it'll become clearer tonight how long it'll take them to whittle it down to two. I suspect the BBC may be holding out until the final two are known.

[BBI45]

I don't get the point of all these debates. I have absolutely no say in who becomes PM at this time, so all this'll do is allow me to see what I like/dislike about whoever wins.

Maybe it’s… not all about you?

It’s an effective stress test for how the candidates cope under scrutiny, and it’s a useful demonstration of what each candidate’s key policies are and why they want to be leader. 

It’s key PSB programming, and the last debate actually did rather well for ITV, for example. 

Rare to find an example of someone calling for less PSB content, and less content which people actually want to watch!

Alright. I could have phrased it slightly better. I can see merit in there being a debate. However, I don't see the need for three with the candidates will already be facing a large amount of scrutiny over the coming weeks anyway.