Discussion moderator

In panel discussions commonly held at academic conferences, the moderator usually introduces the participants and solicits questions from the audience.

Perhaps the most prominent role of moderators is in political debates, which have become a common feature of election campaigns.

The role of the discussion moderator became significant in the year 1780, when a "Rage for public debate" led to a number of different organizations advertising and hosting debates for anywhere between 650 and 1200 people.

[1] The question for debate was introduced by a president or moderator who proceeded to regulate the discussion.

[3] In the television era, it is common for political debate moderators to be journalists, either individually or as a panel.