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The discussion

The topic for a broadcast debate should be a matter in which there is genuine public interest or concern. The aim is for the listener to hear argument and counter-argument expressed in conversational form by people actually holding those views with conviction. The broadcaster can then remain independent.

Format

At its simplest, there will be two speakers representing opposing views together with an impartial chairman or host. The producer may of course decide that such an arrangement would not do justice to the subject, that it is not as clear-cut as the bi-directional discussion will allow and it might therefore be better to include a range of views – the ‘multi-faceted’ discussion.

In this respect the ‘blindness’ of radio ...

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