This Week established itself as essential Sunday morning political television, providing platform for policy discussions, candidate interviews, and political analysis that shapes weekly political discourse.

Format and Political Influence

Interview Platform: Provides high-profile platform for political figures, cabinet members, and presidential candidates to address nation on policy issues.

Roundtable Discussions: Panel format brings together political commentators, journalists, and experts for policy analysis and political predictions.

Breaking News Response: Addresses major political developments and breaking news events affecting weekly political cycle.

Sunday Morning Tradition: Part of traditional Sunday morning political programming that reaches engaged political audiences.

Historical Significance

David Brinkley Era (1981-1996): Established show’s credibility and format under veteran journalist, setting standard for Sunday political programming.

Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts: Co-hosting period maintained show’s influence during significant political periods.

George Stephanopoulos Era (2009-present): Current host brings White House experience and insider political knowledge to interviews.

Political Moments: Platform for significant political announcements, policy clarifications, and candidate positioning.

Interview Impact and Access

This Week influences political discourse through interview selection and questioning:

• Presidential Access: Traditional platform for sitting presidents to address policy issues and political developments
• Cabinet Interviews: Regular interviews with government officials provide policy insights and administration perspectives
• Candidate Platform: Presidential candidates use appearances to launch campaigns, clarify positions, and reach political audiences
• International Figures: Interviews with foreign leaders and diplomats affect international relations discussions

Digital Era Adaptation

Show adapted to changing media consumption patterns:

Streaming Access: Full episodes and segments available on Hulu and ABC digital platforms extending reach beyond broadcast.

Social Media Distribution: Key segments distributed across YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook for viral reach.

Podcast Format: Audio versions available for on-demand consumption and mobile listening.

Clip Strategy: Memorable interview moments become digital content driving political conversations online.

Political Analysis and Commentary

Expert Panels: Rotating panel of political analysts, journalists, and commentators provide diverse perspectives on political developments.

Fact-Checking: Real-time and post-interview analysis examines political claims and statements for accuracy.

Context Provision: Historical and policy context helps audiences understand complex political issues and developments.

Prediction and Analysis: Weekly political predictions and analysis influence political narrative and expectations.

Competition and Market Position

Operates in competitive Sunday morning political programming landscape:

Meet the Press Rivalry: Competes with NBC’s flagship Sunday show for political guest bookings and audience.

Face the Nation Competition: Rivalry with CBS Sunday program for political access and viewership.

Cable News Challenge: Sunday cable programming provides alternative political content and analysis.

Digital Disruption: Online political content and podcasts compete for political audience attention.

Notable Political Interviews

Presidential Announcements: Platform for major policy announcements and political position clarifications.

Scandal Responses: Political figures often choose This Week to address controversies and provide explanations.

Campaign Launches: Candidates frequently use appearances to announce presidential campaigns or major policy initiatives.

International Diplomacy: Foreign leaders and diplomats use platform to communicate with American political audiences.

Behind-the-Scenes Influence

Show’s impact extends beyond broadcast content:

• Booking Power: Guest selection influences which political figures receive national platform
• Question Setting: Interview topics and questions affect political narrative and media coverage
• Access Relationships: Relationships with political figures affect information flow and exclusive content
• Industry Influence: Format and approach influence other political programming and interview shows

Challenges and Criticism

Access vs. Accountability: Balance between maintaining access to political figures and holding them accountable.

False Balance: Criticism for presenting opposing viewpoints without adequate fact-checking or context.

Elite Focus: Concentration on Washington political figures potentially excludes grassroots perspectives.

Time Constraints: Sunday morning format limits depth of policy discussion and analysis.

Cultural and Political Role

Sunday Morning Institution: Part of American political tradition and weekly routine for engaged citizens.

Elite Communication: Platform for political establishment to communicate with attentive political audiences.

Policy Discussion: Provides forum for substantive policy debate beyond campaign politics and partisan conflict.

Democratic Function: Serves democratic accountability by providing platform for political questioning and explanation.

Future Evolution

Show faces challenges adapting to changing political media landscape:

Audience Demographics: Aging viewership as younger audiences migrate to different platforms and formats.

Format Innovation: Pressure to adapt traditional format for digital consumption and shortened attention spans.

Political Polarization: Navigating increasingly polarized political environment while maintaining credibility across political spectrum.

Technology Integration: Incorporating new technologies and platforms while preserving substantive political discussion.

This Week represents enduring model of political television that prioritizes substantive policy discussion and high-level political access, demonstrating continued relevance of traditional political journalism formats while adapting to digital media distribution and changing audience expectations.