Political interviews
We should be clear when making requests for political interviews about the nature of the programme and context for which they are intended. Our arrangements must stand up to public scrutiny and must not prevent the programme asking questions that our audiences would reasonably expect to hear.
Any programme proposing to invite a politician to be a guest, when to do so is the exception rather than the rule, should consult Chief Adviser Politics at an early stage.
Interviews with or profiles of party leaders
Except for brief news interviews, any proposal to interview or profile any of the party leaders in the UK for BBC network and English regional output areas must be referred in advance to Chief Adviser Politics.
Chief Adviser should also be told whether the invitations are refused or accepted to ensure:
- the BBC as a whole is robust and consistent in its dealings with the party leaders.
- at all times of high demand for one or more party leaders, bids are rationalised within the BBC.
- due weight is given to appearances by all party leaders over time.
Except for brief news interviews, any proposals to interview or profile any of the party leaders on BBC Scotland, BBC Wales or BBC Northern Ireland must be referred in advance to the Head of News and Current Affairs in the respective nation.