“Interviews usually take place in private, off camera. Testimony, which usually follows interviews, is the activity that CSPAN covers usually.”
I did not know that. That clarifies some things for me.
To me it looks like they are bit by bit boxing in certain parts of the “chain of command.” I don’t think Lerner (for one) has any wiggle room left. The limited transcripts released the other day has the look of an attempt to herd in some of the middle level people, most likely for pointing fingers up the chain.
It is a useful technique to interview people off-camera but on record and get the information needed to take testimony with the public given a clear view.
I did hear Rep. Gowdy saying they were taking lengthy depositions to prepare for hearings.
Those depositions or interviews make it possible for the testimony to be very focused, direct and to the point. Plus, like any good lawyer, you don’t end up asking a question in testimony that you don’t already know the answer to. As you note, makes the “boxing in” very efficient for the little time allotted to each member for questions.