BBC News Political Correspondent, Pete Saull and Political Correspondent at Sky News Matthew Thompson have given us their insight into this year’s exciting political news agenda and how voices can be best placed in the run-up to autumn. Pete has been increasingly juggling producing political analysis and explanations for the BBC News homepage, as well as live reporting, bulletins, and interviews. 

The BBC News homepage is receiving an ever-growing reach, especially among young people who are consuming more text-based stories than TV and Radio. The live updates on breaking news stories often have more views than the BBC News channel, despite this being a flagship outlet. 

‘Economic growth, public services, and immigration set to be top 3 topics of conversation in the lead-up to the election.’ 

Matthew identified economic growth, the threat of cuts to public services, and immigration to be the key areas politicians will be focusing on in the lead-up to the general election. 

Climate change will remain among the most important topics to young voters. As climate targets set for 2030 and beyond creep closer, environmental pledges will litter conversations across the campaign trail.

‘Don’t discount regional coverage’ 

Pete’s advice to PRs is to pay attention to the key issues in regional patches and find out what matters most to them when pitching spokespeople or case studies. Regional 6.30pm news bulletins hold very large audiences and are the exact demographic sought after by politicians; older people who actually turn out to vote in big numbers. By tapping into the different issues which affect different constituencies there is plenty opportunity for widespread coverage to be achieved at the regional level. 

‘Offer us someone who can speak about the direct impact of policies’ 

Political Correspondents are constantly looking for ways they can broaden their understanding of the impact governmental decisions have on the average voter. Case studies are key, and political reporting relies on real stories to demonstrate that voters enact the change they would like to see. 

‘External voices are essential’ 

Political Correspondents cannot be specialists in every field, meaning experts in everything from AI to climate change are essential to convey the impact political changes will have on the individual, businesses, and charities. Spokespeople are sources of information reporters/presenters/producers can tap into and through targeted pitching, and being aware of the political calendar, can land primetime slots on national news outlets. 

A good spokesperson should speak directly to the audience, be punchy, concise, and not afraid to show emotion. Brilliant examples of this that your spokespeople can study are Martin Lewis and Simon Calder who both embody being experts in their field, and knowing the audience they are addressing. 

The BBC has a 50/50 male to female spokesperson initiative, and this is something that is tracked internally. They always appreciate being offered an expert from diverse backgrounds of all types, whether that be economically diverse, culturally, or otherwise, to best represent the makeup of the nation.