Here to stay? A passing vogue? Who does it satisfy? Who wants it anyway? What next?
Last Saturday's Open Door was the 100th programme in the BBC series in which people make television. Content and editorial control comes from the groups making the programmes; the BBC's role is to act as midwife.
Tonight David Jessel looks at the origins of access television, its achievements and developments in the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe, and chairs a discussion on the way ahead.
Producer FRANCES WHITAKER