Question Time

Does Dimbleby even step foot in Glasgow?

All the credible male candidates are white middle aged, which largely rules them out.

However, Emma Barnett being 33 would be the move that says that we're inclusive and have female presenters on a political show who are under 35.

She's also reassuringly not of the BBC Three/T4 caliber of which those presenters can be so annoying.

Andrew Neil's outspoken comments on Twitter would probably rule out Andrew Neil.

Another name to throw in the hat, although I'm not too keen on him, Chris Mason.

Jane Hill?

Couldn't resist fixing your post.

When Peter Sissons left, there was a strong lobby for Sue Lawley to succeed him - no doubt the fact that she had actually presented the show before was a factor in this. She declined, however, leaving it between Dimbles and Paxo.

Might there have been a strong lobby for her as well when Robin Day moved on? Dimbles was in the running that time too, apparently, and was disappointed when Sissons won out.

No of course not, I don't see what sort of pre-production the presenter needs to be involved in that's not done on the day, at the venue.


Where the presenter is based is largely irrelevant on a programme that comes from a different location every week. Kirsty Wark would travel just as far as Dimbleby

I’ve never seen Question Time but it sounds like Meet The Press in its original carnation where a panel journalists (instead of an audience) asked questions with a moderator to politicos and newsmakers.

I imagine a lot of the prep Dimbley would have to do is stay up to date with the news. Are there preproduced packages or recorded interviews?

Nope. There’s no recorded interviews or packages at all. Just 45 minutes, or so, of live debate amongst the panellists across the political spectrum and sometimes a comedian or broadcaster/journalist. I believe the questions are submitted in advance and fielded by the audience member directly to a panellist.

If you’re interested, I found a full episode on YouTube for your perusal

I don't think there is anything like QT regularly broadcast in the US. The show travels to a different town or city each week and audience members are called on to ask questions of a panel of politicians, experts, notable people, and that question then triggers debate. When it's good - it's great. When it's terrible - it's terrible...


It's a bit like a US 'town hall' but with a panel ?

Yes, those occasional CNN town halls are the most similar thing I can think of, but Question TIme has a panel of guests, is less glossy and invites audience comment throughout the show. Also, it has travelled extensively across the UK during it's years on air, and usually comes from actual town halls, school gymnasiums, local theatres, and even an airport check-in area. The set is usually just a simple backdrop, desk and seating.

That said, I don't really watch these days as it's all become very predictable, as summed up in these three minutes:

Sometimes they even have it in people's living rooms: