Initially the program was called Inside Politics, a weekly political discussion show featuring four guests – – two left of center and two right of center.  The program was the first to offer a spirited, robust, knock down drag out discussion of politics. The format is now a staple of cable television. After developing a cult following and critical acclaim, the program was eventually discovered by national public radio programmers and in 1991 was launched into national syndication with 13 stations But in 1992 the program switched from public radio to WLS-AM Radio/Chicago --- and it's national profile grew on commercial radio – – becoming a Sunday night beacon for political junkies