Issue #10
June 2002
 |
 |
 |
C-SPAN2 Book TV by Gert Innsry I write in praise of intelligent discourse. While commercial and cable TV have occasional programs of depth and interest, C-SPAN2's Book TV provides an ongoing Chautauqua of daily programming that manages to be fascinating, educational and argumentative without the shrillness and superficiality that infect so many TV discussions.
The programs originate at bookstore readings, booksellers' conventions, press club and professional organization panel discussions and college commencements. The speakers span the political spectrum, from Richard Brookhiser talking lovingly about Alexander Hamilton (and disparagingly about Thomas Jefferson) to Howard Fast discussing the American Revolution's opening shots at Bunker Hill and showing our history from the standpoint of the common man. The topics discussed range from history to science to politics to theater and the arts to psychology, sociology, the military and travel. Most of the programs feature an author talking about his or her latest book, followed by a question period from the audience. Some of the programs are reruns, six months or a year after the original airing. In addition, Brian Lamb conducts a daily interview with an author of his choosing, and then accepts phone calls from the TV audience.
The panel discussions often involve three or four authors with conflicting views on the same subject. While their books often deal with times past, the discussions and audience questions explore the impact of those times on the present.
What makes these programs so good? Usually, it is the enthusiasm of the author for his subject. A person in love with a topic is almost always interesting, and the years of research that love leads to brings a wealth of information to the viewer. Like the real Chautauqua, whose lecture series is an unforgettable experience, some of the best moments come after the formal presentation, when questions from the audience highlight areas the author did not explore in her talk, or which pose contradictions in her work. Most of the authors are presenting a labor of love, even those whose main income comes from writing. The few that have ground out a volume to make a buck are easily spotted, they stand out so much from the others.
Generosity is often in evidence in these programs; the generosity of the author in sharing his delight in the subject, the generosity of panelists in dealing with those of opposing views, and the generosity of the audience in their response to the speaker.
If you think television is Newton Minnow's vast wasteland, spend some time in the civilized country of C-SPAN2's Book TV.
Click on underlined by-lines for the author’s home page.
New York Stringer is published by NYStringer.com. For all communications, contact David Katz, Editor and Publisher, at david@nystringer.c om
All content copyright 2002 by nystringer.com