What is Talk show?
{{unsourced|date=August 2009}} [[Image:Laura Bush on The Tonight Show.jpg|thumb|Former First Lady [[Laura Bush]] and host [[Jay Leno]] on '''''[[The Tonight Show]]''''', a popular talk show]] A '''talk show''' is a [[radio]] or [[television]] [[:wikt:program|program]] where one or more hosts discuss current issues or other topics with guests. Many talk shows (especially those on radio) allow members of the public to join in, through [[telephone]] calls, letters, [[e-mail]] and [[Internet]] [[chat]]. Talk shows are often meant to entertain, and many feature comedy or {{broken wikt link|entertainer|entertainers}} performing. Many shows, though, do a {{broken wikt link|public service|public service}}, by informing the public and discussing issues openly. While some are locally based, and serve only one station's audience, others become {{broken wikt link|syndication|syndicated}} and play on many stations, or are broadcast by a regional or national [[network]]. The host of a talk show may already be a [[celebrity]], or may become one as their show becomes popular. Some are [[:wikt:professional|professional]]s or [[:wikt:expert|expert]]s in a field of knowledge, such as [[psychology]] or [[business]]. Others are well-known performers who can [[:wikt:converse|converse]] well with others. Guests on a talk show may also be experts in a field of knowledge or work, longtime professionals, or new and familiar celebrities, performers or athletes. Sometimes guests are members of the public who do something that interests others, such as [[inventor]]s and [[author]]s, or someone who comes to public attention through a [[disaster]] or mishap. Talk shows can vary in format, ranging from lighthearted and humorous discussions to more serious debates, and often provide a platform for important social and political issues to be addressed. == Television == [[Johnny Carson]] hosted [[NBC]]'s ''[[The Tonight Show]]'' for thirty years, with guests from every walk of life, including many old and new celebrities. (Comedian [[Jay Len