A television
debate programme first broadcast on 25 September 1979 on the BBC. It consists of a panel of
experts who are asked questions by an audience. The experts in
question are chosen for their relevance to the current affairs of the
time and the
place where the show is held. For example if the show is held in
Cardiff, the Welsh first minister may be present to answer any questions "his" public may have.
David Dimbleby currently acts as moderator - his predecessors were Sir Robin Day and Peter Sissons.
A particularly emotive debate occured on September 13 2001. Philip Lader, the former U.S. ambassador to Great Britain was on the show and was effectively grilled by an angry anti-american audience.