Tag Archives: polls

#VOJ10: How to report polls – from IPSOS MORI founder

Speaking at today’s Value of Journalism conference (#VOJ10), Sir Robert Worcester, founder of polling organisation IPSOS MORI shared some valuable tips for journalists reporting on political polls:

  1. Watch the share, not the lead
  2. Watch the fieldwork dates
  3. Watch what’s happening: “Watch how the media expresses scepticism of the polls and how they act as if they are gospel.”

And finally: when a politican tells you that they don’t pay any attention to the polls – they’re lying.

Follow the Value of Journalism conference live via our liveblog.

#ge2010 Who do you think were the journalism winners?

You could be forgiven for forgetting who was at the centre of this general election campaign.

As blogger Max Atkinson noted, the BBC 10 o’clock news ran a seven and a half minute report on Monday’s Citizens UK event, with 22 seconds from each of the leaders’ speeches; and 123 seconds of political editor Nick Robinson. Private Eye reported in its latest issue that one onlooker wasn’t sure which Nick was going to make the speech during one part of the Lib Dem election trail.

And of course, the thought that it might not be Us Wot Won It has sent newspaper journalists and bosses into election influence overdrive: storming newspaper offices and frontpage scaremongering like crazy.

So, forget about the politicians and their wives, which journalist has done it for you during the general election coverage?

Tomorrow morning we’ll be running a few polls to establish just that. But first we need some nominations. Here are the categories:

  • Best political journalist
  • Best political blogger
  • Best political tweeter
  • Most sycophantic political coverage
  • Biggest election blunder (journalistic!)

Please comment below, or send nominations by tweet (@journalismnews) or email: judith [at] journalism.co.uk. NB: Category suggestions also welcomed.