BBC election coverage draws 4.2m viewers as Paxman and Galloway clash

by Staff

May 06, 2005

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BBC election coverage draws 4.2m viewers as Paxman and Galloway clash

LONDON - The BBC has seen 4.2m viewers tune in to follow the outcome of the 2005 General Election, featuring stalwart Peter Snow and his trusty swingometer, as well as a clash between Jeremy Paxman and Respect party leader George Galloway.

This figure gave the BBC an audience share of 35%, compared with the 1.7m who tuned in to ITV's coverage -- an audience share of 15%.

Despite a general consensus that the election campaign had been a rather dull affair, several massive swings against Labour, as well as surprise results such as George Galloway's victory in Bethnal Green & Bow, made the coverage compelling until well into the early hours of the morning -- although with BBC kicking off 'Election Night' at 9.55pm, viewers had to wait some time before anything really happened.

The BBC stuck with election night tradition by featuring Peter Snow and his swingometer, along virtual versions of the House of Commons and a computer-generated No 10 Downing Street. The coverage was hosted by David Dimbleby and Jeremy Paxman.

Paxman clashed with Galloway in a heated interview, which started with him asking the former Labour MP if he was proud of having ousted one of the few black women in parliament.

Galloway took exception to the question, which Paxman repeated several times. He then claimed never to have heard of Labour gvernment minister Nick Raynsford and accused Paxman of conducting an "absurd" interview and refusing to answer more questions.

"Mr Galloway, are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?," asked Paxman.

"What a preposterous question. I know it's very late in the night, but wouldn't you be better starting by congratulating me for one of the most sensational election results in modern history?," replied Galloway.

Over on ITV, studio coverage hosted by David's brother, Jonathan, was lightened up with the presence of celebrities including Joan Collins and Clive Anderson.

Sky News offered Adam Boulton and Julie Etchingham, in a programme that was simulcast on Five starting from midnight. It also featured a virtual House of Commons.

The election sees Labour winning an historic third consecutive term in power, albeit with a much-reduced majority, currently projected to be 66 seats.

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