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Election 2010 - The TV Debates

12 May 10

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Our expert panel consider the impact of the recent leaders' debates and ask, was TV the real winner of the General Election?

Watched by 22 million voters and beating Coronation Street and EastEnders in the ratings, did Britain's first ever leaders' debates swing the results of the General Election in 2010?

What part might they have played in the hung parliament and seismic shift in politics which has swept David Cameron and Nick Clegg to power in a new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government?

Andrew Neil is joined by two of the debate moderators - Alastair Stewart and Adam Boulton, plus TV executives and representatives of the Conservative, Labour and LibDem parties. Together they explore how the debates were staged, how the questions were chosen and ask, what do they mean for the future?

Is there a new public appetite for politics on TV? Do the debates mark a significant change in UK politics from the party to the personality? Given the uncertain result, can TV claim to have had an effect on the hearts and minds of voters?

Broadcaster Andrew Neil chairs a panel of guests including: Michael Jermey - Director of ITV News, Current Affairs & Sport Sue Inglish - Head of BBC Political Programmes, Analysis and Research Alastair Stewart - ITV Presenter and Chair of the First Debate Adam Boulton - Political Editor, Sky News and Chair of the First Debate David Muir - Director of Political Strategy and fromer Special Adviser to the PM Peter Luff MP - Conservative Member of Parliament for Mid Worcestershire Olly Grender - Former press secretary to Paddy Ashdown Download the Full Programme notes (397 KB)

The TV Debates Podcast

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