ITV Launches Parliament Idol Reality Contest
ITV has launched nation-wide auditions for a new Pop Idol-style search for Parliamentary candidates as part of a new television contest entitled Vote For Me.
The show is open to every one of Britain’s eligible voters provided they have no affiliation with any political group currently qualifying for party election broadcasts. An independent panel will judge entrants and select a shortlist of ten to take part in the programme.
Once the show is broadcast, viewers will be invited to vote for their favourite candidate, whittling the contestants down to two before a Pop Idol-style finalè.
Steve Anderson, controller of current affairs at ITV, explained the need for Vote For Me, stating: “We are making the programme because we think it’s a good idea that has the potential to become compelling television. It’s also a contribution to addressing the democratic deficit.
He added: “The essence of democracy is that everyone eligible to vote has the right to stand for Parliament, so this is an exercise in airing the issues that matter, and hearing from people outside the mainstream parties that have important things to say.”
While the concept may seem laughable at first, it may go some way to reverse the current trend in political apathy. The last General Election saw voter turnout plummet by 59% to reach the lowest level since 1918. More worrying still was that only 39% of 18 to 34 year olds turned out to cast their vote.
Jane Rogerson, executive producer at Mentorn said: “Vote For Me is a serious attempt to address voter apathy, and to appeal to the far too many people who say don’t bother to vote. It will be entertaining, engaging and markedly different from the type of political programme currently on television.”
ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.com
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