Question Time for Democracy

Funnily enough, it isn’t

Dear Ms Halbach,

When more people have taken anti-depressants than voted for the current government, it’s time to ask questions about democracy.

If barely one in five voters elect the ruling party, and almost twice as many abstain, how should Question Time represent its audience when picking panellists? If most daily news is framed by officialdom and big business, and the three main parties share broadly similar platforms, where should viewers turn for incisive debate and analysis?

While its format remains sound, Question Time is stuck in a conceptual rut. What’s needed is an injection of critical thinking, and the courage to set its own agenda, instead of following other people’s. More shows should tackle themes, as on World Have Your Say. At least one guest should be a specialist authority and they ought to be framing the debate. Balance comes from judicious moderation, not pro-forma panel selection, and the aim should be to scrutinise the powerful, requiring input from beyond the Westminster bubble.

As the $1 billion race for the U.S. presidency unfolds, the story needs to be issues, not polls or personalities. So far, the biggest have been barely discussed: what does it all mean for America’s imperial role, and what happens next as that Empire declines? When Britain prepares to vote, the spotlight should return to electoral reform, and the Power Inquiry’s conclusion that: “The main political parties are widely held in contempt. They are seen as offering no real choice to citizens.”

The greatest challenges we face need urgent joined-up thinking, not sops to lobbies and faits accomplis. What use are biofuels, for example, if they don’t solve the energy or climate crises, while making food and water crises worse? How sustainable is economic growth without destroying the means to sustain ourselves? These questions demand intelligent discussion and the public has a right to expect it on TV.

Having worked as a foreign correspondent, I have an international perspective on global affairs and an outsider’s insight into Britain. Producing a daily world news bulletin, I’ve learned to prioritise context and analysis over soundbites and stand-ups.

As editor of Question Time, I’d host the national conversations that Parliament and the press shy away from, spicing up journalistic rigour with the dissent that’s the basis of democracy. I look forward to discussing my plans for the coming year.

Yours sincerely,

Daniel Simpson

ORIGINAL ADVERT:

Job: Editor, Question Time, MENTORN

* Employer: MENTORN
* Posted: 03 Feb 2008
* Contact: Angelique Halbach
* Location: Based at Mentorn
* Industry: Media - TV
* Contract: Permanent
* Hours: Full Time
* Salary: unspecified

Question Time

BBC NEWS

Based at Mentorn

Question Time is the premier political discussion programme on British television. Each week it is broadcast from a different location. Each edition is topical, and as well as making news, it is expected to maintain its strong appeal to audiences on BBC One. The position of Editor will become vacant for up to 14 months while the current Editor takes a year’s sabbatical.

We are looking for a person who will rise to the challenge of producing a major programme for BBC One, ensuring topicality and broad appeal, and reaching the highest journalistic standards. In the year ahead from May 2008, Question Time will cover with its usual distinction and innovation major events such as the US Presidential Elections and, possibly, a UK General Election.

The successful candidate will have a passion for politics and current affairs, a clear vision for how Question Time should develop in the year ahead and a deep understanding of the needs of the programme’s audience.

Please send your application to Angelique Halbach, Head of Human Resources at the address below.

Closing date: 14 February 2008

A month after writing, I learned (via a mailing list that pimps hacks out to flaks) that I’d been pipped by someone far more, er, qualified:

Gill Penlington, currently Political Producer for ITV News, has been appointed Editor of Question Time, which is produced by independent producer Mentorn Media for BBC One. Gill takes up the post in May when current Editor Ed Havard will be taking a year long sabbatical to study International Relations at Johns Hopkin University in Bologna. Mentorn Media can be reached on +44 (0)20 7258 6700

Hooray for openness and accountability (to say nothing of radical thought): after all, they hired an outsider.