Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
As you may recall, one of my recent guests on Uncommon Knowledge was Charles Moore, Margaret Thatcher's authorized biographer. Charles, writing on the website of the London Spectator:
I have recently had two contrasting experiences of television. After I wrote a column saying that the left’s analysis of capitalism was sounding dangerously plausible just now, I was invited to appear on BBC Newsnight. I almost always refuse to do this because the programme goes out after I am in bed, but the editor assigned to me, Mark Lobel, was very charming, and before I knew where I was, I had agreed to make a short film. This was exactly what I had wanted to avoid because it means that, instead of just walking into the studio, saying something, and walking out, one has to be filmed knocking on a door, travelling, eating lunch, or whatever. The idea is to impart visual interest to one’s mere words. It took all day to produce about five minutes of film. Mark and the cameraman were delightful, but it was a stupendous waste of time. A few weeks earlier, in California, I was interviewed for the Hoover Institution’s internet channel, Uncommon Knowledge, by its extremely well-informed presenter, Peter Robinson. All I had to do was sit in a studio for about an hour being asked intelligent questions about Margaret Thatcher. The channel then broadcast about 40 minutes of it, in five eight-minute bursts. It got straight to the point. Why this difference? The BBC, having near-monopoly power, uses its guests to do what it wants, and makes us conform to stupid orthodoxies like the idea that talk programmes need more than talk to sustain them. Channels like Uncommon Knowledge, being small, and operating in a free market, realise their best policy is simply to let their guests say more or less what they want. As a viewer, let alone a performer, I prefer the latter approach. It never forgets that television is only a medium, and should therefore mediate, not dictate.
Small, and operating in a free market. Hm. That's Ricochet, too, no?
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Aug '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Uncommon Knowledge deserves to be a regularly-broadcast television show, and Peter Robinson should be an internationally-famous talk show host.
Maybe he could fill the timeslot vacated by Oprah!
Thank goodness for iTunes, so I can get my regular UncKnowledge fix with lightning speed.
Edited on Sep 7, 2011 at 9:50amOct '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Where on The Spectator's website, Peter? I know you like to play the luddite, but surely someone on the vast Rico-staff can help you with a link (I note that UcK gets one)...
Aug '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
If I was a betting man, I'd bet it was this one.
If not, just to be safe you could always read all of 'em. ;-)
Apr '11
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Actually, I believe it is this one.
I agree that Uncommon Knowledge is a great programme.
Edited on Sep 7, 2011 at 10:09amJun '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Peter, I'd just like to say how much I'm enjoying your conversations with Dr. Berlinski, they are top notch. This series is another one of those Uncommon Knowledge interviews that tick me off because I have to wait for the eight minute segments. But that is a good thing from a production distribution perspective. So thank you for your efforts.
Edited on Sep 7, 2011 at 10:43amRe: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Cas Balicki: Peter, I'd just like to say how much I'm enjoying your conversations with Dr. Berlinski, they are top notch. · Sep 7 at 10:42am
Edited on Sep 07 at 10:43 am
The interview with David Berlinski would rate in my own top ten, and that's saying something because I've done more than 500 of these things now. The man has a wonderful sweetness about him--and one of the most completely fascinating minds I've ever encountered. Keep watching!
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Sorry, genferei, I meant to post the link--honest--but just plain forgot. As Richard Oatway has now pointed out--and as I've amended the post to reflect--the link is here.
Jun '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Peter, thank you for your modesty. Now, why have I had to wait until today to know that iTunes has podcasts of Uncommon Knowledge?
Not all of us read NRO — let folks know for crying out loud!
Downloads happening now...
Edited on Sep 7, 2011 at 10:59amNov '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Peter- I've been a huge fan of Uncommon Knowledge for some years now and the work that you do. My only gripe is . . . I wish the sessions were longer!
I assume I speak for others in hoping for yet another interview session with Berlinski. The man is always an immense joy to listen to.
Edited on Sep 7, 2011 at 11:17amSep '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Peter, I'm so glad you wrote this post so I can thank you for turning me on to David Berlinski. I'm devouring his book right now, reading it more enthusiastically than anything I've read in a long time. I've always liked Uncommon Knowledge and I think you're a deft, gentle and deep questioner. You ask the questions I would want asked.
Thanks.
Apr '11
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Peter, Mr. Moore's comments should definitely be on the back of the box when you release the Uncommon Knowledge collector DVD box set!
Oh, and thanks for the marvelous work. My brother and I watch all your interviews and talk about them when we're together. Often with strange looks from the other family members who are either liberal or unaware.
Edited on Sep 7, 2011 at 11:38amOct '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Thanks, Peter. I'm a big UK fan myself, for what it's worth.
I do hope, though, that your ambition for Ricochet is a bit more ambitious than just 'better than the BBC' - or 'better than the NYT'! (:
Sep '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
The anti- MSM idea he expresses first appeared, to me at least, in George Gilder's book _Life After Television_. Gilder would be a fascinating guest for Uncommon Knowledge. _Wealth and Poverty_ was one of my little red books of the Reagen Revolution along with _Free to Choose_ and _The Way the World Works_.
Edited on Sep 7, 2011 at 12:15pmOct '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
The endorsement is well-deserved Peter. I really think that the public is underestimated regarding how in depth and substantive a program can be and still attract large audiences. I mean, think of Glenn Beck and his chalkboard. There's a real hunger for substance.
May '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Peter, I listened to the Charles Moore interview the week after our soirée in Palo Alto. I've been meaning to tell you that I was completely blown away. It was the best interview I've ever heard, so I guess I better listen to the one with Claire's dad tonight. You will be pleased to know that I did obeisance at the shop and flat in Grantham a couple of weeks ago. :)
And ya'll: you can get the complete UncK interviews the first day on iTunes. I am impatient.
Aug '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
...which is why I'm glad I'm not a betting man.
Jan '11
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
I've still got a TiVo season pass from when UncK used to air a local PBS affiliate. Love the show. There's an even more extreme anti-BBC interview show out there: comedian Kevin Pollak has a weekly chat show that he does Sunday evenings, live, no breaks, no edits. It's got a similar look to UncK (and Charlie Rose, for that matter), just two people at a table, black background. A couple of weeks back Kevin talked with Harry Shearer (friend of Ricochet) for over two hours. Ricochetiers who are interested in Canadians, comedians, or both, might want to check out the show.
Oct '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Specifically about that UncKnowledge interview, was anyone else floored by the story about Mrs. Thatcher and the Falklands? "You mean three days, don't you?" But she got the call right based on principles. I plan to pick up Claire's new edition as well since this interview (as with so many of them) made me realize how little I know little about the subject.
Dec '10
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
The program is wonderfull and my only, (minor), complaint is the player used. The only way, in my opinion, to access UK is to use the Powerline video player, as it is smooth, fast, and all in one segment.
Mar '11
Re: Uncommon Knowledge, Better Than the BBC
Kudos to you Peter. I discovered Uncommon Knowledge on our local PBS station while channel surfing many years ago. I was hooked then and remain a devoted fan. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every interview I have watched.