The BBC, ITV and Sky and the three main political parties have agreed on the rules for hosting live leaders' debates in the run-up to the general election.
The three 90-minute sessions will begin by focusing on domestic policies, international affairs and the economy.
The studio audiences will then be able to ask direct questions on any subject, with viewers doing the same via e-mail.
Labour's Gordon Brown, Tory David Cameron and Lib Dem Nick Clegg have welcomed the news.
Complex rules
The first debate, themed on domestic affairs, will be held in the north-west of England, with ITV newsreader Alastair Stewart moderating.
The second, focusing on global issues, will take place in south-west England, with Sky's political editor Adam Boulton in charge.
Well, I think these American style TV debates between the leaders will be a good thing, especially for voters. It'll be nice to see David Cameron making an idiot of himself, and hopefully this will promote the Liberal Democrats.
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