UK broadcaster ITV has announced the first head-to-head General Election debate between Rishi Sunak, leader of the Conservative Party, and Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party.
The hour-long debate will take place on Tuesday June 4 at 9pm and air on ITV1, ITVX and STV and STV Player.
Sunak v Starmer: The ITV Debate will be moderated by news anchor Julie Etchingham. It will take place live in front of a studio audience and will be made and produced by MultiStory Media, part of ITV Studios.
Etchingham moderated General Election debates in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Michael Jermey, ITV’s Director of News and Current Affairs, said: “Millions of viewers value the election debates. They provide a chance to see and hear the party leaders set out their pitch to the country, debate directly with each other and take questions from voters. ITV is pleased to be broadcasting the first debate in this year’s election campaign.”
Other broadcasters, such as the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky News, have not yet announced plans for any debates.
However, it’s widely expected that there will be at least one more head-to-head debate between the two main leaders before the election.
The BBC confirmed earlier this week that Clive Myrie and Laura Kuenssberg will host its election night coverage.
Stephen Nuttall unveiled as new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board
Stephen Nuttall has been appointed as the new Chair of IBC’s Partnership Board. Made up of representatives from each of the six partner organisations which own IBC (IABM, IEEE, IET, RTS, SCTE and SMPTE), the IBC Partnership Board provides the governance and strategic oversight of IBC.
Saleha Williams appointed CEO of IABM
Saleha Williams has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IABM.
Comcast sets leadership team for ‘SpinCo’ cable unit
US media and telco giant Comcast has unveiled the leadership team for SpinCo as it prepares to spin off its cable television portfolio later in the year.
Labour exploring ‘alternative funding options’ to BBC licence fee
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly considering scrapping the BBC licence fee at the end of the Corporation's current charter in December 2027.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie to head Creative Cities Convention speakers
BBC Director-General Tim Davie has been lined up as one of the key speakers at this year’s Creative Cities Convention, being held from May 7–8 in Bradford as part of its UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.