Independent news organisations across the Isle of Man have formed a landmark partnership to deliver the most extensive General Election coverage ever undertaken on the island.
Manx.News has teamed up with Media Isle of Man and IOM TV under the VOTE 2026 banner, creating a multi‑platform operation spanning television, radio, print, digital and social media. The collaboration brings together some of the island’s most experienced journalists, producers and technical teams for a coordinated election effort unmatched in scale.
With 82 candidates confirmed across the island’s 12 constituencies, voters will head to the polls on Thursday, September 24 to elect 24 Members of the House of Keys for the next five‑year term.
Live Question Time Series Begins September 7
Television and livestream production specialists Energy Media UK will be producing a series of programmes for the local outlets. The VOTE 2026 campaign launches its nightly live Question Time programmes on Monday, September 7, giving voters the chance to hear directly from candidates in every constituency.
Each debate begins at 7pm. The opening night features Douglas Central and Ayre & Michael, followed by Douglas East and Ramsey on September 8, and Douglas North and Rushen on September 9.
The remaining constituencies — Arbory, Castletown & Malew, Glenfaba & Peel, Douglas South, Onchan, Garff and Middle — will take part between September 14–16.
Turner: “The Island Has Never Seen Anything on This Scale”
Juan Turner, founder of Energy FM and Manx.News, said the partnership marks a step‑change in how Manx elections are covered.
“This is the largest election coverage the island has ever seen. We begin with a full slate of live Question Time programmes, where Richard Slee will challenge candidates on the issues affecting people’s lives. Viewers can submit questions throughout the campaign via vote2026.im.”
Turner said election night will feature live pictures from every count, studio guests, rolling updates and real‑time declarations.
“VOTE 2026 will be the election night programme everyone will be watching. Working with Media Isle of Man means we have the strongest reporting team on the island — live at every count, every declaration, every moment that matters.”
Jones: “Putting Voters at the Heart of the Coverage”
Dion Jones, editor of Media Isle of Man, said the collaboration ensures voters receive clear, accessible and comprehensive election reporting.
“The General Election is a defining moment for the island’s future. By combining our teams and resources, we’re giving voters the information they need to make an informed choice. On election night, our journalists will be working together across the island to bring results, reaction and analysis as it happens.”
Coverage Across Every Platform
The VOTE 2026 operation will be available on:
- Smart TVs
- Tablets and mobile devices
- Radio
- Newspapers
- Websites and social media
- Podcast platforms
vote2026.im – The Island’s Best Election Resource
The VOTE 2026 online portal will allow viewers to submit questions and comments throughout the campaign and during the live election night broadcast.
Manx.News is the island newest multi-media news channel and supplies news copy and audio to Energy FM and The Sound Radio.
Media Isle of Man is the publisher of the Isle of Man Examiner, Manx Independent, Isle of Man Courier, Isle of Man Today and Gef.
The Aftershow
Also joining the transmission network will be the online platform, IOM TV, led by broadcaster Paul Moulton. The Question Time series and live election night will see reporters from all organisations working side‑by‑side across the island as results are declared. Paul Moulton will also be presenting a post Question Time “After Show” on his Isle of Man Television platform, with former MHK, government Minister and now political commentator, Chris Robertshaw.
