As the United Kingdom prepares to elect a new government, the BBC’s international news services will offer a one-stop-shop for audiences around the globe.
Whether they are listening to the World Service, watching BBC World News or exploring the online offer at BBC.com/ukelection, audiences will receive the latest updates and analysis as the campaign gains momentum and moves towards the all-important polling day and count on May 7th.
The coverage will recognise the significance of the general election, not just in the United Kingdom, but internationally right across the world. Audiences can rely on the BBC’s trusted team of journalists for reports on all the major milestones.
At BBC.com/ukelection there will be a wealth of content, covering the latest news from the campaign trail with a minute-by-minute news tracker, video explainers, opinion poll trackers and reports offering insight into what the results mean for the UK and beyond. In addition, there will be opportunities for the audience to get involved via social media.
The team will also use the BBC’s network of journalists across the world to provide global context around the content. In the US, Anthony Zurcher, the BBC’s North America Reporter, will travel across the pond with his new political blog ‘Campaignspotting’ to cover the UK elections with an American take on the politics and pageantry.
On BBC World News TV
On election night, May 7th, as the exit polls come in, World News will be coming together with the BBC’s domestic news channel to bring Election 2015 to viewers around the world. The flagship TV results programme will be hosted by David Dimbleby alongside a team of specialist correspondents and will include innovative state of the art graphics depicting the all-important results. As dawn breaks in the UK on May 8th, Huw Edwards takes over until the final results become clear. Once the count is done, the World Newsteamwill be on hand to help global audiences understand who will be forming the UK’s next government.
On BBC World Service English
On election night, World Service English will broadcast an eleven hour special. Presenters Tim Franks, Philippa Thomas, Karin Gianonne and Julian Keane will guide the BBC’s global radio audience through what is expected to be the most unpredictable British election night in decades, with continuing coverage until the outcome is clear.
Announcing the comprehensive coverage promised by the BBC’s international services, Richard Porter, editorial and digital director for BBC World News and BBC.com/news said: “Election 2015 is a landmark event for Britain and audiences around the world can expect BBC World News to give it the full coverage it deserves. As ever our reporting will reflect the values our global audiences expect from us – covering all sides of the stories, challenging the leading politicians on their policies, giving clarity on the most complex issues.
“That, combined with respecting and reporting the traditions of Parliament, whilst using the latest technology to help bring clarity to the issues, is what makes the BBC’s coverage so distinctive. I hope our audiences will stay with us right the way through to May 7th, and beyond.”
