article_snippet: They said They would stick to They plan for three debates during April - including a head-to-head showdown between Cameron and Ed Miliband - and urged Cameron to 'reconsider' his refusal to take part in these shows.
article_snippet: But in a joint statement, the broadcasters said the broadcasters would stick to plans for a seven-way debate involving Cameron, Labour's Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg of the Lib Dems and the leaders of the Greens, Ukip, Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru on ITV on April 2.
article_snippet: This would be followed by a second show on BBC featuring the same line-up on April 16 and a final one-on-one clash between the Tory and Labour leaders on Sky News and Channel 4 on April 30 - exactly a week before the May 7 election.
article_snippet: In a letter to Mr Oliver, the broadcasters made clear the broadcasters were ready to go ahead with the debates even if Cameron decides not to take part - effectively 'empty-chairing' the Prime Minister.
article_snippet: However, in the end all we can do - as impartial public service broadcasters - is to provide a fair forum for debates to take place.
article_snippet: In their statement, the broadcasters said: 'Today the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky confirm the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky will continue with the series of televised leaders' debates as planned in the general election campaign. '
article_snippet: the broadcasters welcome the fact that the Prime Minister has for the first time agreed to take part in a televised debate. '
article_snippet: However, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky believes there needs to be two seven-way debates of a minimum of two hours each, within the general election campaign, allowing time to properly represent the views of all parties, covering a broad range of subjects. '
article_snippet: the broadcasters also believe that a head-to-head debate between the two individuals who could become prime minister - David Cameron and Ed Miliband - is important - something the Prime Minister has publicly supported.' a head-to-head debate between the two individuals who could become prime minister - David Cameron and Ed Miliband - is important - something the Prime Minister has publicly supported added: 'the broadcasters would like the Prime Minister to reconsider taking part in all of these debates.
article_snippet: Twenty-two million people watched televised leaders' debates in 2010 and there is a public desire and expectation for Twenty-two million people to happen again in 2015 . '
article_snippet: the broadcasters proposals have come after extensive work over the last six months to ensure the public have the opportunity to watch televised election debates once more. '
article_snippet: the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky have worked in an independent, impartial manner, treating invited parties on an equitable basis.
article_snippet: the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky have listened to the views expressed by all parties and adapted the proposals to take into account electoral support. '
article_snippet: the broadcasters will continue to work closely with all parties invited to take part in the televised debates to bring the broadcasters to the broadcasters millions of viewers across the UK.
article_snippet: The heads of news of all four broadcasters would welcome the opportunity to meet Mr Cameron, or his representatives, to discuss the debates.'
article_snippet: Following stormy exchanges on the debates at Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons on Wednesday, Sky News and Channel 4 said they were ready to move the two-header debate to another date if Mr Cameron and Mr Miliband could agree on a preferred day.
article_snippet: all four broadcasters two x two-hour debates format will allow all seven leaders sufficient time to discuss properly a good range of the main election issues.
article_snippet: In a sign that they will keep the door open for Mr Cameron to perform a last-minute U-turn, they said: 'The debates will go ahead and they anticipate millions of viewers will find millions of viewers valuable as millions of viewers did in 2010. '
article_snippet: Nigel Farage said: 'I'm pleased that the broadcasters' have stood firm at last but it would have been far better had the broadcasters' stuck with the broadcasters' original proposal which included fewer parties.
highlights_snippet: Broadcasters said Broadcasters planned to go ahead with three debates in April .