Warren Steibel (1925–2002) was an American producer and
director
Director may refer to:
Literature
* ''Director'' (magazine), a British magazine
* ''The Director'' (novel), a 1971 novel by Henry Denker
* ''The Director'' (play), a 2000 play by Nancy Hasty
Music
* Director (band), an Irish rock band
* ''D ...
. He worked in the television and film industry throughout his career, and is perhaps best remembered for his long friendship with
William F. Buckley Jr.
William Frank Buckley Jr. (born William Francis Buckley; November 24, 1925 – February 27, 2008) was an American public intellectual, conservative author and political commentator. In 1955, he founded ''National Review'', the magazine that stim ...
, both of whom collaborated on the production of '' Firing Line'' from April 1966 until its final broadcast at the end of 1999.
Although the
liberal
Liberal or liberalism may refer to:
Politics
* a supporter of liberalism
** Liberalism by country
* an adherent of a Liberal Party
* Liberalism (international relations)
* Sexually liberal feminism
* Social liberalism
Arts, entertainment and m ...
Steibel was not always in accord with Buckley's
conservative
Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy that seeks to promote and to preserve traditional institutions, practices, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civilization in ...
political beliefs, the two had an amicable and creative working relationship, and produced one of the longest-running television programs in the history of
PBS
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is an American public broadcaster and non-commercial, free-to-air television network based in Arlington, Virginia. PBS is a publicly funded nonprofit organization and the most prominent provider of educat ...
.
In addition to ''Firing Line'', Steibel is credited with producing another topical debate program, ''Debates, Debates'', which was created in 1996 and was distributed by another non-profit production company of his creation, Four Score and Ten.
Steibel also worked for each of the "Big Three" television networks in various capacities. He experienced a less successful career as a Hollywood producer, producing the independent film ''
The Honeymoon Killers
''The Honeymoon Killers'' is a 1970 American crime film written and directed by Leonard Kastle, and starring Shirley Stoler and Tony Lo Bianco. Its plot follows a sullen, overweight nurse who is seduced by a con man, with whom she embarks on a ...
'' in 1970. The film was written and eventually directed by Steibel's business partner, Opera Composer
Leonard Kastle
Leonard Gregory Kastle (February 11, 1929 – May 18, 2011) from the
Martin Scorsese
Martin Charles Scorsese ( , ; born November 17, 1942) is an American film director, producer, screenwriter and actor. Scorsese emerged as one of the major figures of the New Hollywood era. He is the recipient of many major accolades, inclu ...
.
Steibel was an "agnostic Jew".
After battling liver cancer Steibel died on January 3, 2002.