Broadcasters reveal plans for party leader TV debates

ITV, BBC, Channel 4 and Sky have agreed joint plans to broadcast three live party leader debates in the run up to the 2015 General Election.

The debates, which would take place next April, would be broadcast live on TV, online and on social media.

Invitations to take part have been sent to Prime Minister David Cameron along with Labour leader Ed Miliband, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage, leader of Ukip.

It comes after the first ever televised political leader debates were watched by 22 million people in 2010.

Under the proposals, Sky and Channel 4 would broadcast a head-to-head debate between Cameron and Miliband on their channels and websites.

A second debate, broadcast on the BBC, would see Cameron and Milband joined by Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg. The debate, fronted by David Dimbleby, will be broadcast live on BBC TV and radio networks as well as online.

ITV would host a debate including the three main party leaders along with Ukip's Nigel Farage. The debate would be chaired by Julie Etchingham and air live on ITV's main channel and online.

Each of the debates would take place in front of an audience including members of the public, who would be able to put their questions to the party leaders.

The broadcasters have also said they would work with social media organisations including Twitter and Facebook to ensure the widest possible engagement from the public.

STV will broadcast the ITV debate to viewers in Scotland and also intends to deliver a debate for viewers in Scotland for the relevant party leaders.

The ITV UK debate will be accompanied by a separate leaders' debate in Wales.