The Political X Factor - Really a vote winner?
Simon Cowell, the pop music and TV mogul has suggested he may break into politics, making five or six shows focusing on issues before the upcoming general election in May. The man, who according to a recent poll is the most famous man in the world (yes, even more famous than God*) seems to have masterminded the idea of a 'Political X Factor', taking the format of a 'bear-pit' debate. It seems the man to front the show will be the darling of television, Dermot O'Leary. O'Leary recently stated he was excited about the prospect of fronting the show, as he likes to bring an 'edge' to his television shows (Big Brother’s Little Brother, T4, The National Lottery and The X Factor... can you feel the razor sharp edge?).
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.
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Reply #1 on : Wed March 03, 2010, 19:16:26