Cowell plotting political 'X Factor'?

[Perdita]

Simon Cowell has revealed that he might produce a political version of The X Factor.

The star, who also works as a judge on American Idol, suggested that a similar competition format could be applied to a political TV series.

Cowell told the BBC that he is considering a "political X Factor" in the UK, during which major issues would be debated and the public could phone in their votes before the upcoming parliamentary election.

He stated that the initial series can focus on "five or six big issues which I think are really, really important in people's lives".

Cowell also hinted that such a show may allow him to refocus his own career. "It would be a good way for me to get involved in politics," he added.

From DS


While the idea of discussing issues and a public vote on them sounds good, would the politicians take any notice? I doubt it.

[LostVoodoo]

i saw the interview with Simon Cowell on newsnight last nioght when he was talking about this. tbh i am amazed he manages to get words out with his head so far up his @rse. he thinks he's the prime minister!

"during which major issues would be debated and the public could phone in their votes before the upcoming parliamentary election" - erm, isn't that just an election campaign? what's more, it's free to vote in an election, you don't have to pay Simon Cowell to do it!

[Abbie]

I really dont think it would work

[parkerman]

Cowell told the BBC that he is considering a "political X Factor" in the UK, during which major issues would be debated and the public could phone in their votes before the upcoming parliamentary election.



Brilliant. Why bother with the election at all? Let's just decide who governs Britain for the next five years on the basis of a Simon Cowell inspired politicians' talent show phone in.

I'm a politician get me out of here!

[Abigail]

Cowell told the BBC that he is considering a "political X Factor" in the UK, during which major issues would be debated and the public could phone in their votes before the upcoming parliamentary election.



Brilliant. Why bother with the election at all? Let's just decide who governs Britain for the next five years on the basis of a Simon Cowell inspired politicians' talent show phone in.

I'm a politician get me out of here!

You should get Simon's job, that's a brilliant idea!!

On a more serious note, something needs to be done about the political apathy in this country. People are very happy to get on their soap box and moan about what the government isn't doing yet they won't do anything about it. The majority of people of voting age don't vote either. The political system should be made a mandatory part of the national curriculum, like religion is, and more attention paid to the fringe parties instead of the major three.

Come election time I will be out on campus telling people to vote. It doesn't matter who they vote for (as long as it's not the far right) as long as they use their vote. Locally and nationally the student body has the power to change the outcome of an election if every student votes.

The tri-party debate should be interesting and I hope lots of people watch it. However, I want to see the fringe parties (who have some excellent policies) getting national coverage.


Simon is not the answer though!!

[parkerman]

I totally agree with you Rudolph (!)

People moan and complain but do nothing themselves. Although I am an agent for one of the political parties myself and hope people vote for that party, I absolutely agree that people should vote. I would rather they voted for another party (except the BNP) than not at all. That way we know we are getting a representative government. If people don't get involved and at least vote they've got no right to complain afterwards.

I certainly agree that political education should be made part of the National Curriculum. It is a much more useful subject than religion.

[Abigail]

If people don't get involved and at least vote they've got no right to complain afterwards.


This is one thing that really winds me up. It doesn't take much effort to watch the political party broadcasts each night on the BBC in the run up to elections then go to the polling station and put a cross in a box. Maximum of one hour out of one's life every four years yet people just can't be bothered and think they're entitled to moan about everything the "government they didn't elect" do wrong.

I really hope none of the right wing parties are our new leaders in the spring because of my personal circumstances. I haven't quite decided who to vote for at the moment; it's a choice between two parties.

Being realistic though, we're looking at a Conservative government for the next four years. I'm looking forward to their manifesto on Afghanistan, tuition fees, maintenance loans, public transport, benefits for disabled people and graduate tax.

This has got me thinking about a new campaign I can run :hmm: < And from that you should be able to tell who I vote for :cool: