Firing Line (1966-1999) was an American public affairs show founded and hosted by conservative William F. Buckley, Jr. Although the program’s format varied over the years, it typically featured the politically conservative Buckley interviewing a guest and exchanging views, with the two seated together in front of a small studio audience. Guests were people notable in the fields of politics to religion, literature and academia, and their views could sharply contrast or be in strong agreement with Buckley’s. Most guests were intellectuals, and they were interviewed about ideas and issues of the day.
Reflecting Buckley’s talents and preferences, the exchange of views was almost always polite, and the guests were given time to answer questions at length, slowing the pace of the program. The show was devoted to a leisurely examination of issues and ideas at an extremely high level. Wikipedia
