Watch Q & A

Q & A is a television interview series that airs on C-SPAN, featuring in-depth conversations with prominent individuals from various fields, such as politics, journalism, academia, and the arts. The show is hosted by Brian Lamb, who founded C-SPAN in 1979 and served as its CEO until 2012. Over the years, Lamb has conducted thousands of interviews for Q & A, which has become one of C-SPAN's flagship programs.

The format of Q & A is straightforward: Lamb sits down with a guest for a one-on-one interview, usually lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. The interviews are filmed in a studio, with Lamb at a desk and the guest in a chair across from him. There is no live audience, and the focus is entirely on the conversation between Lamb and his guest.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Q & A is its emphasis on long-form interviews. Unlike the soundbite-driven nature of much of modern media, Q & A allows its guests to delve deep into their experiences and perspectives. Lamb is known for his thoughtful and probing questions, often drawing out insights and details that might be overlooked in a shorter interview.

Another strength of Q & A is the diversity of its guests. While there is often a political or current events angle to the interviews, Lamb has also spoken with authors, musicians, historians, and other notable figures from a wide range of fields. Some of the most memorable interviews have been with lesser-known individuals whose stories have not been widely told, such as a former refugee who became a successful entrepreneur, or a historian who debunked a commonly-held myth about American history.

Despite the no-nonsense format of the show, there is a certain warmth and charm to Q & A. Lamb is a gracious and affable host, always respectful of his guests and genuinely interested in their stories. He often injects a dose of humor into the interviews, putting his guests at ease and allowing for a more relaxed conversation.

It is worth noting that Q & A is not a hard-hitting news program. While Lamb does not shy away from tough questions, the show is more about providing an opportunity for guests to share their thoughts and experiences in a thoughtful and detailed manner. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who appreciate the chance to dive deep into a topic, Q & A is a welcome departure from the often-shallow coverage of the modern media landscape.

One of the other notable elements of the show is its lack of commercial interruptions. C-SPAN, which is a non-profit network funded by cable companies, does not run ads during its programming. This means that Q & A is free from the usual cuts to commercials that can disrupt the flow of a show. Instead, viewers are treated to an uninterrupted conversation between Lamb and his guest.

As with any long-running program, Q & A has had its share of memorable moments over the years. Some of the highlights include an interview with retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who discussed his views on gun control and campaign finance reform; an interview with Emmy-winning comedian Louis C.K., who talked about his creative process and the challenges of being a father; and an interview with journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, who discussed his book "Between the World and Me" and the issues of race and inequality in America.

Overall, Q & A is a unique and valuable program in today's media landscape. It offers viewers the chance to go beyond the soundbites and get to know some of the most interesting and influential people of our time in a more intimate and thoughtful way. Whether you're interested in politics, history, literature, or just hearing great stories, Q & A is definitely worth checking out.