Sky News is preparing a cross-platform coverage push for the 2010 general election centred around its HD coverage of the Leaders’ Debate.

The Sky News Debate, chaired by Adam Boulton, will be the first to be broadcast in HD and follows a day dedicated to the show with live on-location footage from 6am to midnight hosted by Kay Burley. A text vote immediately after the debate will poll viewers’ reactions.

Sky is also launching three dedicated election shows

  • Randall and Boulton Unleashed, which airs daily from 7pm – 8pm,
  • The Boulton Factor, Sunday to Thursday late-night analysis;
  • The Election Live Desk, two 60-minute morning shows presented by Colin Braizer.

On election night, Sky will broadcast the results show - Decision Time - from 9pm in HD fronted by an array of its top presenters.

Online

Sky News has overhauled its homepage and politics websites to focus on the election and will stream both its own and the BBC’s Leader’s Debate as well as allowing users to post comments and submit questions for consideration via a dedicated Facebook page.

It will also feature interactive tools including an Election Map which shows detailed information about each constituency and a Who Do I Vote For app which matches visitors’ opinions with a political party.

iPhone

Ahead of the election Sky News has also beefed up its iPhone app with the introduction of live video streaming and a section dedicated to its election coverage.

Consumers who download the free, ad-funded app will now be able to view simulcast content of the Sky News channel along with a dedicated election section.

Radio

Sky News Radio will also distribute a live feed of the Leader’s Debate to its client radio stations and broadcast bulletins every half hour on the night of the election.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: “Sky News’ non-stop coverage; on air, online, on mobile, on radio and via social media, will give our customers the sharpest, information rich, picture-led service on offer.”

Five News, which is produced by Sky, will air feature shows dedicated to the election including Does Britain Work?, presented by Five’s chief correspondent Jonathan Samuels. It will also feature live coverage from each of the rival channel’s Leaders’ Debates.    

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