Television

1. Early History (1890-1915)
   
   1. Firsy Predictions of TV
   2. Television Pioneers
      1. John L. Baird
      2. Vladimir Zworykin
      3. Philo T. Farnsworth
   3. Television available by late 30s
   
   
2. Slow Start (1940-52)
   
   1. Development of industry slowed by
      1. technical problems
      2. WWII
      3. FCC licensing freeze*
   2. Content: radio with pictures
      1. most of TV is live
   
   
3. Television in the 1950s
   1. Big boom in 1950s
   2. Early influences on TV
      1. advertising dominated
      2. network controlled
      3. atmosphere of the Cold War
      • HUAC
      • Red Channels
   3. Content
      1. Golden years of TV: rise of TV anthologies
      2. Quiz show scandals
         1. shows no longer single sponsored
         2. impact of ratings
      3. Rise of TV films
   
   
4. TV's Impact on Other Media
   1. Movies
   2. radio--becomes local, music-oriented
   3. magazines become specialized
   4. Newspapers stress analysis, not speed
   
   
5. Criticism of TV
   1. Newton Minow: "Vast Wasteland"
      1. TV not acting in public interest--must provide balance
      2. Networks were slaves to ratings
      3. People owned the airwaves--TV must act in their interest
   2. Edward R. Murrow--"Wires and Lights in a Box"
      1. TV afraid of controversy--acts in advertising interest
      2. News was becoming a commodity
      3. Corporations can improve image by sponsoring quality shows.