Well and truly

In an opinion piece in today's Age, Neil McMahon asks the question, has Q&A jumped the shark? For those of you who don't know, a television show that has "Jumped the shark" is one that has run its course, and isn't as good as it used to be.

I would definitely agree that it has. When Q&A first started it seemed fresh and novel. t gave everyday citizens the chance to engage and interact with political and business leaders, and other influential figures from various fields.

I stopped watching it after I began to realize that it had degenerated into a lefty love in, and I grew tired of going to bed feeling angry and wound up, or shouting at the television. More often than not, the panels are stacked with left leaning progressives, with one or two token conservatives. In this hostile setting, the conservative spokespeople are made to look ridiculous and offensive. And that's if they are able to get a word in.

Peter Hitchens, Rowan Dean, Janet Albrechtsen are among those conservative guests who find that there is no room for a respectful exchange of dissenting viewpoints on this program. Conflict might make for entertaining television, but it doesn't do much for having a constructive debate.