The Political X Factor – Really a vote winner?

26th February, 2010 by Webmaster

Regardless of these two [insert inappropriate word here] the
question is whether the programme will have a positive effect on the number of
people voting and especially on young voters. The last election saw a turnout
of only 37% among those between the age of 18 and 24. Surely any tool that can
appeal to young people should be utilised? Simon Cowell has said the show will
not prominently feature MPs but focus on issues that interest the masses. This
may be one reason 60% of MPs (in a poll by PoliticsHome) do not want the
programme to air; it is unlikely they will come out smelling of roses. There is
also the chance important issues will not get deep discussion and analysis,
leaving opinions to be formed on sensationalised output with no substance. And
that is where the crux of the problem lies: will the programme inspire people
to become involved in politics or simply sensationalise important issues,
without any in-depth debate?

The programme could bring a lifeline into youth politics, by making young
people believe the issues that affect them are relevant to those
discussed by politicians. It could get young people debating crime, jobs and
the economy and how they can make a difference. But why do I get the feeling
this won’t be the case? Cowell is the king of populist TV – he will always play
on the emotive and outrageous.

He has said it will focus on issues such as knife crime and Afghanistan. Both
of these are worthy topics, but how will these issues be dealt with? Would it focus
on a debate of the merits of the war on Afghanistan and the relative cost of
life? I can’t imagine Cowell would see that as ‘good television’, so I suspect
we’d see clips of weeping mothers and the list of dead, not a debate on justifications
for the war. This will make great voyeuristic television, but not an arena for
reasonable debate. It’s rash, emotive and without substance.

As in all of Simon Cowell’s shows, the use of an ‘instant poll’ will give
viewers the chance to express their views. If these views are formed from such
sensationalised debates and arguments it’s unlikely to be carefully informed
opinion. The most terrifying outcome could be its effect on Westminster. Gordon
Brown and David Cameron clamour over Simon Cowell, with Cameron recently
describing him as “incredibly talented”. There doesn’t appear to be any
defining ideology in either party, with policies changing depending on popular
mood. When The X Factor was at its
peak both these leaders gave continual updates on their favourite contestant. Is
there a danger that this programme could overly influence politicians? Will we
see Cameron and Brown scrambling on a Sunday morning to release a statement
promising action on whatever issue got the ‘yes’ vote? I hope that both leaders
would be above making rash decisions on uninformed TV votes. But with both
parties desperate to gain those floating voters, you never know.

Cowell will want ratings and good television, but these aren’t mutually
exclusive from integrity. The issues discussed will be sensitive and how they
are dealt with will determine whether the programme is a revelation or simply
populist drivel.

*According to a poll on 8 Out of 10 Cats.
I know, I know, I should watch better television.

663One Response2010-02-26+11%3A14%3A50Webmaster to “The Political X Factor – Really a vote winner?”

Julienne Savery says:

July 10, 2011 at 10:50 am

This is an excellent way of what, for a few, can be a controversial matter. Well though out there submit. Computers make it easier to do lots of things, but a majority of of the things that they’ve created less complicated to do dont need to become carried out. Related to Andy Rooney

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