Uncommon Knowledge - Format

Format

Style: Before the show's transition into a contiguous program in 2008, the show would typically invite up to three guests with opposing points of view on controversial issues and/or matters of international/public policy to debate each other on the air. Robinson moderated and posited devil's advocate–type arguments, recited quotations to elicit the perspectives of his guests, and questioned his guests. After several segments the show concluded with Robinson asking the guests to predict what the future holds for the issue in question. He would also invite individual guests for one on one interviews, using much of the same interview style.

In its rebirth transition from 2007-2008,and then in its reinstatement in 2008, it adopted the style of a more classic interview program, with up to three guests, but not ones designed to disagree or debate. Rather, Robinson finds like minded or intellectually connected guests to create a more basic interview style, employing the same tactics as previously to elicit the whole of a singular perspective, with guests that would disagree, but not in the radically opposing sides format the program had previously favored. Primarily however, departing from the pre-2008 style, Robinson mostly invites single guests to do one on one interviews and discuss the opinions and ideas of the individual guest.

Background: Before the 2007-2008 transition, and the '08 rebirth, the background for the program was that of a definitive setting, a room filled with historical and unusual objects, faded artifacts and items, antique furniture, etc., surrounding the wooden interview table. During the '07-'08 revival period, as well as the permanent revival in 2008, the background moved to the classic style interview program background with a plain black background, wooden table,chairs,and carpet, with some brief experimentations around that setup. Archives of streaming video, transcripts, and MP3 audio are available from the website for most episodes after 2000. For previous years, transcripts are available, though over time some videotapes of these episodes have been recovered and are being posted on YouTube under the account name "UKHoover" and "HooverInstitution."