THE EXIT POLL

  • The exit poll is usually the first big news story of the night – a prediction of who will win the election.
  • Its forecast is revealed by the major broadcasters only after the polls close at 10pm on election night.
  • The exit poll is essentially an opinion poll of voters who have just voted.
  • Not all exit polls get it right but the techniques, refined over the last 25 years, have led to a remarkable degree of accuracy.

PRESENTERS AND REPORTERS:

It is important when reporting or discussing the results of the exit poll, that:

  1. You credit those who commissioned the poll you are quoting, eg BBC, Sky, ITV… after all it is NOT your poll. And..
  2. You stress it is just a prediction. It is not the actual result. The exit poll is a useful indication, a talking point – but all may change when the actual votes are counted. And there is always a margin of error.

COUNT REPORTERS:

  • The great thing about the exit poll is that it gives you something concrete to ask candidates about at the count while you wait for the result.
  • They may, like a former Lib Dem leader, Paddy Ashdown tell you that they will eat their hat if the exit poll is true.
  • Often however, particularly if it reflects what they have been picking up on the ground, candidates can use it to start commenting on what went wrong or right with their party’s own campaign and performance.
  • You can then reflect on their comments in your live two ways or send the BJTC Election WhatsApp group a cue and voice note or a cue with clip.

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.

LAW AND REGULATION REMINDER

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

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.

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.

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