Better In or Out? Regional EU Referendum specials on BBC Television

Are you clear what the eventual outcome of the EU referendum might mean to you and your family and friends? Yes, it It is a pretty fundamental question, but one probably best considered carefully to avoid any regrets about where you place your cross on June 23rd.

While the trading of verbal blows by the leave and remain groups seems to have been one of the most outstanding features of the campaign so far, some observers have questioned whether the true impact of what the enthusiasts are arguing about has been sufficiently explained by them or, crucially, understood by those voting.

This Sunday evening there will be no hiding place for either side. In special BBC One regional debate programmes leading supporters from both campaign groups will come face to face across England with audiences from their local areas who want straight answers about how the various claims and counter claims might actually impact in communities where they live and work.

The programmes have a very clear remit. They are there to close in and discuss the key regional referendum issues and stories that will really resonate with audiences in each particular part of the country. Their brief is to avoid covering purely national topics. These debates are there to give a truly regional perspective and to complement, and not in any way duplicate, the BBC’s wider referendum coverage.

The programmes are likely to have wide appeal. Producers have invited panellists from a broad range of backgrounds – from top politicians to captains of industry, from human rights activists to an international pop star with particularly strong political leanings. And they have made sure that audiences are not only balanced in terms of those who are likely to vote remain or exit, but that they are made up of people from as many different backgrounds and walks of life as possible.

Our television debates are far from the only way in which our teams in the regions are getting under the skin of the referendum story though. All of our 39 local radio stations will be broadcasting similar debate programmes too, with most of them being recorded or broadcast live from the heart of communities in their areas. And for months now, even before the referendum date was announced, our news and specialist political reporters across England have been reflecting the twists and turns from a grassroots position on a daily basis in our bulletins and programmes and on online and social media. In fact, by being truly in touch with local communities, and through their local contacts and sources, they have often managed to get a handle on how key elements of the bigger story haves been developing well before they have reached the national headlines.

We already know that people not only turn to us to find out more when there are significant stories on the go such as this, but they often come to us first too when they have something interesting or important to say on topics that have a significant bearing on their neighbourhoods.

That is why we feel it is so important to provide opportunities for them to hold local decision makers to account and to provide a platform for lively, engaging and constructive debate and discussion. And that is why we hope that you enjoy the special programme on BBC One in your area on Sunday night at 10.35pm and that it might just help you to feel just a little bit more informed when it comes to putting that cross on the paper.

Jason Dean is Politics Editor, BBC English Regions 

• Better In or Out is on regional BBC One at 10.35pm on Sunday 12 June.