We’re delighted that you are taking part in the BJTC Vote 2024 collaboration. The whole purpose of this collaboration is to give you all the opportunity to report what should be an incredible election night.

It will also give you the chance, on the side, to forge some contacts with politicians and professional journalists who, like you, will be kicking their heels at counts around the country waiting for the results with plenty of time to chat to bright student reporters!

You come from universities across the country and range from first years to to postgraduate students.  Some of you will be a bit nervous – don’t worry. Kate Ironside and Jon Godel will be here to support you through this – if you don’t understand something, if you’re puzzled or not sure – just ask Kate! Email Kate.ironside@northampton.ac.uk 

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WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Kate Ironside

Jon Godel

Jon and I, between us, have over 50 years of experience in journalism.

Jon, the chief executive of the BJTC, is a former Editor of IRN and Editor of ITN’s Multimedia Division.

I’m Kate Ironside, I spent 26 years as a political journalist working for BBC Westminster, the Daily Express and others. I’ve covered every single general election since 1987 – and this is likely to be one of the most extraordinary. I will be your key contact between now and the election. You may hear from Jon on the night. You may also hear from my colleague Julian Sturdy, former BBC journalist turned academic at UEA, who will be helping me on the administration side.

The purpose of this guide is to walk you through what is expected of you, explain exactly how you can prepare for it – and spell out the opportunities to do more if you wish. Most of you will be assigned to cover counts on election night while some of you will be working as programme producers, presenters and reporters back at base. A few special correspondents may be operating from home.

All of you have a role to play in making the night a success!

HOW WE COVERED IT LAST TIME

Want to see how it worked last time? Just watch the video below to see how BJTC students across the UK joined forces to report the results of the 2019 General Election.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • GET TO YOUR COUNT BY 10PM
  • TAKE WITH YOU:
      • Photographic identification – ideally passport or driving licence, but failing that your uni card.
      • Phone, notebook, pen, laptop and charger
      • Food and drink
      • The results of your constituency for the last four general elections and notes on your constituency
  • PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR

I’m sure none of you need this – but just to underline you are representing your university and the BJTC and it is imperative that you behave professionally at all times.

      • Obey instructions from press officers at all times
      • Do not approach those doing the actual counting.
      • Do not try and interview anyone counting votes.
      • If you shoot video, you can do a wide shot of the count but must NOT do close ups of people counting.
      • Do not get in the way of professional journalists
      • Remain impartial in all your output and behaviour.

 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

  • SOCIAL MEDIA
    • Tweet your arrival #bjtcvote2024
    • Tweet #bjtcvote2024 any newsworthy statements by candidates (eg on the record quotes criticising their own parties or manifestoes, conceding defeat, reflecting on the challenges for the winning party of government)
    • Tweet #bjtcvote2024 the results of your constituency and any good quotes.
  • TWO-WAYS

Each two way will last around three minutes, possibly more if there is lot to talk about. The student presenters are not trying to catch you out – they just want to give you the opportunity to show off your knowledge.

Questions will vary depending on the constituency. Keep my phone number 07969 419574 and my email Kate.Ironside@bjtc.org.uk with you at all times.

  • AUDIO & VIDEO

Edit any audio or video you record at the count and you can WhatsApp it to the BJTC WhatsApp group

  • SELFIES

WhatsApp us selfies of you at the count (remembering to tell us who you are and where you are). Some photos might be you waiting for the result, maybe with candidates, maybe with other journalists. Some of them can be fun. Get someone to take a photo of you pretending to be asleep. Others can be professional – get someone to take a photo of you writing in your notebook or interviewing a candidate.

 

LAW AND REGULATION REMINDER

Click on the icon above for a vital reminder on law and regulation

EXIT POLL

Usually the first big story of the night. Click on the icon above for more information and how to report on exit polls.

POLITICAL OVERVIEW

The next election looks like a cracker. Click on the icon above to ensure you have all the background information you need when reporting at this election.

COUNT REPORTERS’ OVERVIEW, OUTPUT, WHAT TO TAKE

Click on the icon above to read important information about what you will be doing, logistics and what you need to bring with you.

GUIDE TO TWO-WAYS

Click on the icon above for a full guide on creating two-ways.

STUDENT PRODUCERS

Click on the icon above for a full guide to producing the output from the night.