This is an analytical overview derived from the Wikipedia article on BBC's Question Time. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Arena of Ideas

A critical examination of BBC's flagship topical debate programme, exploring its format, historical evolution, and influence on public discourse.

Explore Origins 🚀 Understand Format ⚙️

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Program Origins

Genesis of a Debate

Question Time commenced its broadcast on 25 September 1979, drawing inspiration from the established BBC Radio 4 programme, Any Questions?. The inaugural panel featured a diverse array of public figures, including Michael Foot, a Labour MP; Edna O'Brien, an author; Teddy Taylor, a Conservative politician; and Derek Worlock, the Archbishop of Liverpool. This initial lineup set a precedent for the program's commitment to featuring representatives from across the political and social spectrum.10

Political Landscape

The programme's inception coincided with a significant period of political transition in the United Kingdom. Its format was designed to engage directly with contemporary issues, providing a platform for politicians and public figures to address questions posed by a live audience. This approach aimed to foster a more direct connection between the electorate and their representatives, a core tenet of its enduring appeal.10

Programmatic Format

Panel Composition

The typical Question Time panel comprises five prominent individuals. Critically, it almost invariably includes representatives from both the governing party and the official opposition. Additional panelists are selected based on their national electoral support, ensuring a broad representation of political viewpoints. The panel is further diversified with leading journalists, academics, business leaders, and other influential figures, providing varied perspectives on the issues discussed.1112

Audience Engagement

Audience members are meticulously selected by an 'audience producer' to ensure demographic diversity, considering factors such as age, gender, occupation, ethnicity, and voting history.13 Applicants are invited to submit questions, which are presented to the panel for the first time during the broadcast. This dynamic ensures spontaneous and unscripted interactions, a hallmark of the show's authenticity.14

Production Methodology

Question Time is typically recorded in a 'live-to-tape' format, often in a single take, shortly before its scheduled transmission. Editing is reserved for exceptional circumstances, such as legal requirements, matters of taste, or to manage program overruns.15 This approach preserves the immediacy and unvarnished nature of the debate.16

Esteemed Presenters

Sir Robin Day

Sir Robin Day served as the inaugural chair, hosting the program for nearly a decade until June 1989. His tenure was characterized by sharp wit and incisive questioning, establishing a rigorous standard for political interviewing. His famous sign-off, "There they are, and here we go," became synonymous with the show's commencement.18 The program was primarily filmed at London's Greenwood Theatre during his time.19

Peter Sissons

Following Day's retirement, Peter Sissons assumed the chair until 1993. His period saw the program relocate its London base to the Barbican Centre and adopt a more mobile filming strategy, visiting various locations across the UK. Sissons's tenure was marked by notable events, including a bomb scare and the unfortunate collapse of an audience member during a recording.19

David Dimbleby

David Dimbleby became the longest-serving presenter, hosting from 1994 until his final broadcast in December 2018, a tenure spanning 25 years. His style included innovative formats, such as audience voting keypads and direct engagement with the audience by leaving his seat. Dimbleby's final show marked the end of an era for the program.202122

Fiona Bruce

Fiona Bruce took over as the current chair in January 2019, following a series of auditions. Her appointment marked a new chapter for the program, continuing its tradition of rigorous political debate.23242526

Guest Presenters

Throughout its history, several distinguished broadcasters have deputised for the main presenters, including Sir Ludovic Kennedy, Sue Lawley (the first woman to chair the program), Bernard Levin, and Donald MacCormick. More recently, figures like John Humphrys, Nick Robinson, and Victoria Derbyshire have stepped in for specific episodes, ensuring continuity and diverse hosting styles.272829303132

Editorial Stewardship

Evolution of Editorship

The editorial leadership of Question Time has seen several key figures since its inception. Barbara Maxwell was the original producer in 1979, later becoming Executive Producer. Liz Elton and Ann Morley took on producer and director roles, respectively, in 1983, marking a period of significant female leadership in the production team.33343536

Subsequent editors have included James Hogan, Alexandra Henderson, Christopher Capron, Charlie Courtauld, and Nick Pisani. The role has seen transitions due to career moves and program relocations, with Ed Havard serving as acting editor during periods of change.373839404142

Audience Interaction

SMS and Social Media

Viewers engage with the program through SMS, with selected comments historically appearing on Ceefax and now via social media platforms. The show's Twitter presence, @bbcquestiontime, has become a significant channel for real-time audience feedback and discussion, often generating substantial engagement.43444548

The Dimblebot Phenomenon

A notable aspect of the show's online interaction is the spoof Twitter account, "Dimblebot," which humorously portrays a robotic version of David Dimbleby. This meta-commentary highlights the program's cultural footprint and the audience's creative engagement with its format.4546

Platforming Controversies

The program has faced scrutiny regarding its selection of audience members and panelists, particularly concerning the platforming of controversial viewpoints. An open letter from Baroness Warsi and Debbie Abrahams in March 2020 criticized the BBC for allegedly seeking out far-right figures to boost ratings, arguing it normalizes harmful discourse.49

Filming Locations

Diverse Venues

Question Time is filmed across a wide array of venues throughout the United Kingdom, including educational institutions, arts centers, government buildings, airports, religious sites, and correctional facilities. This geographical and architectural diversity reflects the program's national reach and its commitment to engaging with communities across the country.5051525354555657

Future Broadcasts

The program's schedule of locations is subject to change, with updates typically announced via the Question Time website and on-air promotions.5859

  • 16 January: Northampton
  • 23 January: Manchester
  • 30 January: Melton Mowbray
  • 6 February: Glasgow
  • 13 February: Northwich
  • 20 February: London
  • 27 February: Derby
  • 6 March: Skipton
  • 13 March: Wolverhampton
  • 20 March: Reading, Berkshire
  • 27 March: Dartford
  • 3 April: Cardiff
  • 8 May: Kingston upon Hull
  • 15 May: Aldershot
  • 22 May: London
  • 29 May: Cheltenham
  • 5 June: Llandudno
  • 12 June: Fleetwood
  • 19 June: London
  • 26 June: St Andrews

Production Details

Operational Hub

While the program is filmed at various locations across the UK, its primary production base is situated at BBC Scotland in Glasgow. Mentorn Media has been the production company responsible for the program since 1998.9

Notable Editions

Landmark Broadcasts

Question Time has featured numerous editions that have garnered significant public attention and critical commentary. These range from discussions on major political events, such as the September 11 attacks, to confrontations between prominent figures and controversial audience contributions.64

  • 1981: David Steel and David Owen discuss potential political alliances, foreshadowing the SDP–Liberal Alliance.1
  • 1983: Conservative Foreign Secretary Francis Pym's comments on election landslides caused controversy.61
  • 1994: A notable clash occurred between Jeffrey Archer and David Starkey regarding the age of homosexual consent.63
  • 2001: An edition following the September 11 attacks drew criticism for featuring anti-American sentiments from audience members.64
  • 2009: The appearance of BNP leader Nick Griffin led to protests and significant viewership, attracting 8.3 million viewers.67
  • 2011: An episode filmed at Wormwood Scrubs Prison included prisoners in the audience.68
  • 2015: George Galloway's appearance in Finchley, an area with a large Jewish minority, sparked pre-broadcast controversy.70
  • 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program began broadcasting without an audience and with social distancing measures.72

Audience Figures

Viewership Trends

Question Time consistently attracts substantial audiences, reflecting its position as a key program in British political broadcasting. The highest viewership figures were recorded during the 2009 episode featuring Nick Griffin, which garnered 8.3 million viewers.75 Other editions, such as those discussing the MPs' expenses row or the 2011 riots, have also achieved significant viewership, often exceeding 3 million viewers.7669

Comparative Programs

International and Domestic Parallels

Question Time has inspired or been paralleled by similar debate programs globally and domestically. These include Welsh-language version Pawb a'i Farn on S4C, Australia's critically acclaimed Q&A on the ABC, and Azerbaijan's Open Talk. Domestically, programs like The Big Questions on BBC One share a similar format, focusing on ethical and religious issues.7678

Educational Outreach

Youth Engagement

The program has produced several "Schools Editions," featuring panels that include young students alongside political figures and public personalities. These editions aim to engage younger demographics with political discourse and parliamentary processes.79 Notable editions have featured figures such as Tony Benn, David Miliband, and Sayeeda Warsi, alongside student participants.7980

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Question Time Tv Programme" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about question_time_tv_programme while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

annette insdorf
    
all new people
    
anorexia nervosa
    
nepal transport service
    
kassim rimawi
    
naharlagun railway station
    
federal prospects hockey league
    
fort sumner new mexico
    
wxny-fm
    
jefferson lerma
    

References

References

  1.  BBC2's "Newsnight Review to get revamp", The Guardian, 24 March 2009.
  2.  BBC chief apologises for terror debate, BBC News, 15 September 2001
  3.  "BNP on Question Time", The Guardian, 22 October 2009.
  4.  "George Galloway accuses BBC over Question Time 'set-up'", The Guardian, 6 February 2015
  5.  Young Voters' Question Time becomes permanent fixture on BBC Three BBC Press Office, 21 September 2010
  6.  Question Time, Schools Edition, BBC One, 9 July 2009.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Question Time (TV programme) Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Scholars

This document has been generated by an advanced AI system, meticulously adhering to the provided source material and stylistic guidelines. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, offering a structured analysis of the television program Question Time.

This is not professional media analysis or journalistic advice. The content presented herein is based on publicly available data and should be critically evaluated. Users are encouraged to consult primary sources and conduct their own rigorous research for comprehensive understanding. The AI and its creators are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this content.