Stanford archivists preserve three decades of Firing Line

Stanford’s Hoover Institution Library and Archives is helping to protect the legacy of William F. Buckley Jr.’s political talk show Firing Line by preserving approximately 700 of the 1,505 episodes, with priority to the most vulnerable formats. The broadcast records also include transcripts, photographs, sound recordings, production materials and episode preparation materials. On air for over 33 years, Firing Line is the longest-running public affairs show with a single host in television history. Buckley, considered by many to be the leader of modern American conservatism, conceived of the show not as an interview program, but as an “exchange of opinions.” Civil Discourse, an exhibition featuring material from the influential television program, is open to the public through Aug. 20. Free of charge, the exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Herbert Hoover Memorial Exhibit Pavilion (next to Hoover Tower).

Go to the web site to view the video.

Video by Kurt Hickman