Mishal Husain: How I’ll referee BBC leaders' debate with voters at its heart

mishal-husain:-how-i’ll-referee-bbc-leaders'-debate-with-voters-at-its-heart
Mishal Husain: How I’ll referee BBC leaders' debate with voters at its heart

The election campaign is nearing its end, and the two men who aspire to lead the country will confront each other in what may be the final debate. The setting will be Nottingham Trent University, and the occasion will provide an unfiltered platform for direct dialogue. The debate’s moderator, Andrew Marr, will chair the 75-minute discussion with the intention of answering voter queries to the fullest extent possible. While he considers the debate a privilege, Marr understands the magnitude of its responsibilities. The event will bring democracy to the fore and allow ordinary people to directly address those in power.

Millions of people will tune in to watch the live broadcast on BBC One and BBC News at 8:15 pm on June 26th, or they can stream it from the iPlayer. Marr has previously hosted two seven-way debates, one in 2017 and the latest one earlier this month, with each one posing different challenges. He prepares by analysing the parties’ key policies, points of differentiation and by cultivating spontaneity and energy. He strives to promote a legitimate debate rather than a string of speeches.

The live audience will consist of both Conservative, Labour supporters, and uncommitted voters, as chosen by Savanta, the polling firm. Andrew Marr will clarify any points and nudge the speakers back to the topic when necessary throughout the debate. Although Marr does not know what tone to anticipate, he acknowledges the stakes involved and believes the experience can be revealing for the debaters.

The debate will last for seventy-five minutes without interruption, and Marr has also detailed the logistics that will be in effect for the event. The moderator will explain at the outset how candidates will be standing and how the order of the proceeding will be determined. Andrew Marr will strive to ensure that the candidates respond efficiently and succinctly, clarifying questions if required, and calling attention to the issues at hand. Ultimately it is a pivotal opportunity to reach millions of viewers and telecast the strengths of their platforms to sway the critical voters’ decision

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More