Government Affairs Blog

The Sunday morning fix for the political junkie

If you are a political junkie, Sunday mornings provide a regular fix.

If you are an early riser you can catch Steve Richards’ show, “The Sunday Programme” on GMTV at 6 am.  Richards, the amiable columnist for “The Independent” does thoughtful interviews that are more about the process of making policy than the cut-and-thrust of political ideas.  Presumably, his interviews are recorded a day or so before they are broadcast and are not live.  This means that he can discuss a main story of the week, this Sunday it was reform of the House of Lords, but can’t provide up to the minute commentary on what dominates the news for that day.  This Sunday it turned out to be focused on David Cameron and his chosen method of relaxation at Eton.

“The Sunday Programme” isn’t glossy and the set is fairly basic.  Next up, if you want more commentary and analysis, is Andrew Marr on the BBC with “Sunday AM”.  Marr goes on air at around 9 am and his studio has a little more of a budget, the interviews are with political big-hitters as well as non-politicians.  Marr will normally interview an actor who is appearing in a play or television drama about the political process. 

By the time Marr finishes you can switch to “Sunday Live with Adam Boulton” at 10 am.  This is on Sky News and as it says is live.  It is broadcast from the Sky News set so looks more like a real-time news programme that its competitors.  Boulton also has major political figures and looks at big policy issues. 

Boulton’s “Sunday Live” ends at mid-day.  Here there is a dilemma for the political junkie.  At around 11.30 am “The Sunday Edition” begins on ITV 1 with Andrew Rawsnley and Andrea Catherwood.  This is ITV’s answer to “Sunday AM” with a slightly softer tone.  So if you missed Marr try Rawnsley or stick with Boulton for the duration.  And if you didn’t get up in time for Richards you can always record him or watch him again on ITV2 at 7 am. 

Last, and certainly by no means, least Jon Sopel in “The Politics Show” takes you into the afternoon on BBC 1 at noon.  Sopel is normally studio bound but has reporters roaming the country reporting on either a regional story or a story about a political issue that takes them out of London.  Halfway through, the programme gives you a slice of local politics.

Of course the political junkie will not feel totally complete after watching all those programmes.  Next it is time to turn to the Sunday papers…