article_snippet: Meanwhile, the four broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 - announced the four broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 - will stick to the four broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 - previously-announced plans for three debates during the election campaign.
article_snippet: In a joint statement, the four broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 - said the four broadcasters - the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4 - would stick to plans for a seven-way debate involving David 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 David Cameron's decides not to take part - effectively 'empty-chairing' the Prime Minister.
article_snippet: With neither side in the stand-off backing down, the debates are set to go ahead without David Cameron's participation.
highlights_snippet: Broadcasters threaten to go ahead with three leader debates regardless .
  