MAC 215 FINAL EXAM
What was the role of the FCC Chairman Mark Fowler in deregulation?
Mark Fowler was able to spread the word that competition in the marketplace, not government regulation, would provide the best service to consumers in a variety of fields. - Embarked on campaign to break up AT&T's telephone monopoly, end the requirements for educational children's programming, revoke the fin/syn rules, slash caps on station ownership, get rid of the Fairness Doctrine and eliminate the requirement that licenses .
What is the Fairness Doctrine?
Policy requiring television and radio broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance.
What did the Supreme Court rule in 2012 in regards to the profanity/indecency on live television?
Both FOX and ABC filed lawsuits against the FCC • In June 2012, the Supreme Court ruled the FCC acted improperly in sanctioning FOX and fining ABC for "fleeting expletives" because it imposed the rules without sufficient prior warning. • The court did not rule on the free speech question of whether the FCC has the power to regulate indecency in over-the-air broadcasts since it does not have the power to do that with cable or satellite.
What are the key issues for which sitcoms of this era (mid 80s-mid 90s)
Brought out a lot of social and cultural themes including: - Working classs lifestyles (RoseAnne and The Simpsons) - Lesbian/Gay aspects (Ellen DeGeneres comes out as gay on sitcom Ellen) - Stronger professional working roles of women (Murphy Brown) - Older women become leads in some sitcoms
What were Minnow's key reforms?
All Channel Receiver Act of 1962 - Increased number of stations - Required all TV sets sold in US to be capable of picking up UHF stations Legislation that started era of satellite communications - Allowed TV to be dominated by satellite for news and programs, communication purposes
What was the role of FCC Commisioner Nicholas Johnson in pushing Citizens Reform at the FCC?
Johnson consistently put interest of the public ahead of industry profits Spent term pushing for public interest rules, regulations that angered broadcasters and conservative commissioners
How has satelites helped with broadcasting?
Satelites were vital because it allowed for newscasters to tap into other newsfeeds from different countires to display what was occuring in that area. it also alloweed for live streaming, something that wasnt done before.
How did home VCR's develop and what was their impact?
Sony intially came out with a product called the Betamax video-cassette deck. Americans began using them for recording movies and other programs in the 80's. in the 1980's Supreme court ruled in favor of sony saying that it was acceptable for consumers to record things as long as it was for home use. japanese were the first to figure this out.
Discuss the Jimmy Carter Energy Crisis video
- It's harder to get oil from the middle east and we are becoming so dependent because the oil we had in the US. One of Carter's first acts after being inaugurated is taking on this issue. - He talks about proposals and how they may be unpopular, may cause a national catastrophe. - considers that there is a misuse of energy from years past and beyond. Issues as a speaker - he doesn't really show much emotion, kind of stoic, really monotone, doesn't really feel like a crisis that he's addressing. Issues still relevant - he talked about the potential for solar power or other types of sources to use to deal with the crisis. Conservation was important then just as it is now. Another thing to consider is the fact that middle oil is soooo important there. Another thing was the rapid growth of china and india want to have more cars and better transportation and all.
What are some of the downsides of reality TV?
- It's really crass, rude and almost degraded - A lot of people felt that it wasn't real which caused a lot of controversies - Many networks didn't know how the show would succeed because of the types of viewership they previously had
How did the Fairness Doctrine eliminate cigarette ads on the radio and TV?
- Surgeon General ruled that smoking cigarettes are hazardous for your health - Commisioners of the FCC (Nicholas Johnson and Kenneth Cox) decided to go after cigarettes on TV/Radio - Citizen activists asked FCC to apply Fairness Doctrine to cigarette advertising, which would allow anti-smoking groups to receive airtime. - FCC said that if they wanted to play cigarette ad's they would have to allow anti-smoking ads as well - Tobacco industry subsidzed anti-smoking ads, because the more commercials they ran, the more PSA's against smoking the stations they would have to run
Discuss 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WHERE AN INDEPENDENT CANIDIDATE HAD A POTENTIAL IMPACT ON THE CAMPAGIN:
- Jimmy Carter had two canidates up against him, Ronald Reagan and John Anderson an independent in Illinois. -He had an aggressive approach to the energy conservation. - Carter didn't want John Anderson to debate with the two canidates, instead Ronald Reagan and Anderson just had the debate and Carter refused to. - Anderson wanted to have increase of fuel / transportation for the community. - The first debate was able also to help Reagan express the position of conservative views and less control from the government. - Anderson wanted to increase productivity and not producing and sending out more money. Many people thought that John Anderson had a good chance. - issues present today such as: unemployment, medicare, economy.
What was the role of Everett Parker in the United Church of Christ's efforts to reform broadcasting?
- Realized that many television stations were neglecting the needs of African-Americans in the community after reviewing stations with the UCC - Director of the UCC Communications office and worked closely to help civil injustices be resolved by challenging WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi
What are the controversial aspects on television programming in the 1960's by former FCC Chairman Newton Minow ?
- Specifically challenge the content that was to be on television - Urge to significantly reform - Didn't think that TV posed a positive influence on children, said it was a wasteland
How did Radio/TV ownership rules change overtime from the 1970's to today?
- They were more liberal with the number of stations people could own
What was so important about the soap Dallas and why did people watch it?
- it attracted men as well as women. o It was a sensation because the setting was in Texas ranch country, and its cast of characters was obscenely wealthy. o The show featured feuds and love affairs between the Ewing's and the Barnes families, with J.R. Ewing the main villain. o The famous 1980 season-ending cliffhanger in which JR was shot... led to wild speculation as to who did it. o When the show resumed Nov. 21, 1980 - the show had an 80 share of the audience - an astounding figure. o Dallas had a 14-year run in the US but also became a huge hit in Great Britain and nearly 50 other countries. • In order to attract males they realized they had to do more than other soaps did.
How has Action for Children's Television influenced the FCC's view of kids' show?
69 mothers got into a group to create ACT action for childrens television Concerned about violence, sexism, racism and ad content during kids TV shows peggy charen pushed to improve poor quality of kids' shows ACT worried about commerical cartoons because they had violence in them locally hosted kids' show/networks + shows did not have much educational content 1971 FCC proposed rules to limit ads in kids' shows + improve their quality rules didn't happen until congress imposed limits 1992
Why was the mini-series The Roots so critically acclaimed?
A group of producers got together to pitch the 12 hour mini-series based on the Alex Haley novel, aired in 1977 Shown in a 12 hour time span over eight consecutive nights, highest rated programs of all time. Traced story of black experience from Africa to Plantation to post Civil War Freedom Helped people of all races make sense of America's racially divided past. silverman wanted to maximize the impact of the show by creating 8 straight nights in the network lineup and showed Roots. It became a number one show because everyone watched it. It was also really popular because the show wasn't so graphic but it was a very honest look at what it was like to be a slave, it reflected how blacks were treated at that time. Was the first thing that came along, got a lot of acclaim for the quality and topics presented.
Discuss clip we watched in class about Hill Street Blues:
A lot times they would start with roll call/shift/assignment for the officers that day. They were mostly trying to focus on the cast of characters but different ones each time. The chief delegated roles to the characters, they tried to show the range of issues that officers dealt with while working.
Wh became The Today's Show competition in the 1970s?
ABC's Good Morning America became the prime competitor, they broke through as the #1 show in the 1990 before Today Show regained the lead through 2012. Currently the two shows often go back and fourth at the top of the ratings.
What has been the general trend of network, TV prime time ratings, network and local news ratings in this era of cable, satellite and the Internet
ASK BOB LONG WHAT SPECIFICALLY HE MEANS BY THIS.
Discuss the Dan Rather video concerning the impact of liberalizing media ownership rules:
ASK SOMEONE ABOUT THIS.
Why did the media have to rely on military footage instead of using its own footage?
Because of the strict rules that the military had on the public for media spreading.
Hw did the prometheus Radio Project vs FCC stop elimination of almost all ownership?
Basically it's that citizen groups claimed the FCC hadn't justified their reasons for wanting to get rid of ownership rules.
What was the importance of starting a 24 hour news service with CNN, Weather Channel and ESPN?
Beginnings of CNN + Weather channel. Turner was giving the dedication of CNN and you can tell that the show has come a long way due to the graphics. The first newscast on CNN, there weren't any teleprompters and they had to read off a paper. This is very different from the prompting we have now. Weather Channel clips has very basic graphics and they weren't able to totally have a good showing of the weather with the hot temperatures and basic satellite image. They were able to attract a certain audience as well. It was important because it allowed a way for information to be at a constant flow. Especially when crisises were occuring, the network would be able to break the news and solely cover it.
What was the development of ENG newsgathering?
CBS completely changed news with this development. Electronic News Gathering introduced portablemini cameras and recorders helped broadcast journalist go to new places that they couldnt go to before. it replaced the use of bulky stuido cameras and it gave mobility and new resources for journalists.
What was the live recording of the attempted assassination of the Pope like?
CNN was able to work with Italian television via satellite and show how when the pope went to speak he was then ambushed and shot at the Vatican. He was able to get on the phone for extra commentary, two women were injured during this time. Because of satellites there was an increase of broadcasting development.
How did Murphy Brown gain national attention in a presidential campaign in 1992?
Candace Bergen's character, Murphy Brown, was criticized for a story line where she got pregnant out of wedlock and had her baby boy while 38-million Americans watched the episode. Time Magazine quotes Quayle saying: "It doesn't help matters when a character who supposedly epitomizes today's intelligent, highly paid professional woman is portrayed as mocking the importance of fathers, by bearing a child alone, and calling it just another life-style choice."
What were the changes in daytime shows?
DAYTIME TALK SHOWS began to compete with soaps for the audience. • shows became racy and raunchy... led by Cincinnati's own Jerry Springer. • By the time we hit the 90s, daytime talk shows tried to out-do each other with a goal of seeing how much they could embarrass or humiliate guests.
What were the program types of 1975-85?
Hour long prime time soap operas I.E. Dallas, Dynasty and Knots Landing. Mini-Series that played over the course of the week such as The Roots New generation of police shoes that lead some to be heavily criticized for the objectification of women and others critically acclaimed for dealing with women's issues or the daily lives of police officers on the "beat". Also there were great sitcoms that were making their way to stay prevalent during this time.
How did The Today Show get it's start?
In the early 1950s, NBC Vice President Pat Weaver wanted an interactive news show that connected with the audience. He believed hosts should be communicators, not anchors.
What was the clip of The Roots like when we watched it in class?
In the jungle as the boy Kutakente has been sent out by his father to get a bird to bring back for food but he runs into the white slave owners who they were capturing to put into slave trade. The slaves were held in a line being pushed throughout the jungle with rope around their neck. He gets a first insight to the slave world while being in the jungle and then returns to tell the rest of the village which creates fear within the tribe. There is a scene of the shore where the whites are congregating and the slaves are on the beach working and doing task for them. The tribe is now cautious and is told to be careful about the white traders and the blacks that are helping, he tells them never to be alone and never be in the dark. Eventually Kuntakente was captured and became a slave in America. This show became one of the highest ranking shows in American television.
What does "The Project of Excellence" entail, and what does it say about Americans relying on the Web for news today?
It states that there is a decline in newspapers and how since technology has increased so much they're able to get all these articles online for free which is a gift and a curse. However new elements such as previewing articles can lead to them being bought monthly via Web.
What are some interesting voices and elements of the speech that Jimmy Carter did
It's harder to get oil from the middle east and we are becoming so dependent because the oil we had in the US was being dried out and we were running out of fuel order. One of Carter's first acts after being inaugurated is taking on this issue. 1- How is Carter as a live speaker, 2 - how are issues still controversial in this day and age. He talks about proposals and how they may be unpopular, may cause a national catastrophe. He considers that there is a misuse of energy from years past and beyond. Issues as a speaker - he doesn't really show much emotion, kind of stoic, really monotone, doesn't really feel like a crisis that he's addressing. Issues still relevant - he talked about the potential for solar power or other types of sources to use to deal with the crisis. Conservation was important then just as it is now. Not to a completely drastic nature but still important. Another thing to consider is the fact that middle east isn't the leading aspect of oil in middle east because oil is soooo important there. Another thing was the rapid growth of china and india as those two nation began to want to have more cars and better transportation and all.
What are characteristics of women in Cagney and Lacey?
More serious show, they don't always agree with everything, in this case there's a disagreement about an officer shot an unarmed man in the alley while one officer believes the man has a gun and the other does not. One of them is complaining that they didn't see a gun, and there was a serious tone about how one of the officers felt disrespected about the gun. The other officer says that there was another gun in the alley and it disappeared. They go and talk to someone who could have possibly had the gun and taken it from the scene and then he admits that he slipped the gun under his jacket. The woman are portrayed as much more serious, not a lot of joking around than Charlie's Angel's HILMES 304-05
How was Murphy Brown a positive working class woman and different from Mary Tyler Moore?
Murphy Brown was a very selfish, stubborn, extremely hot-tempered yet caring middle-aged reporter who worked for FYI News Network and at the same time tried to raise her child as an unmarried, working woman. Evident how cut-throat TV news has become - the jealousies and the portrayal of some personalities as "real" journalists and the character Corky - a former Miss America - who'd like to have Murphy's job. She is an anchorwoman and reporter, and her co-host is a Miss. America type person because her good looks, not because she was well versed in the news. Murphy Brown is portrayed as a much stronger character on TV. She has a lot of work to do and she doesn't take fondly to her quirky co-host who is almost an airhead. She has a big project to do and when suggested that Corky does some research and helps she stands firm and says no. Suddenly men don't want to have meetings with stronger female leads because of how direct and successful they were.
When did the Today Show get its start?
NBC's Today Show was the first attempt at a network morning news show with Dave Garroway in 1952. Garroway was known for his bow ties and horn-rimmed glasses but also his relaxed and poised style on the air.
How did Hill Street Blues bring a new concept to police shows?
Original police "ensemble drama" --> did not feature one strong character but cast of central characters --> much like success of "Dallas" Overworked, under-staffed police precinct in an anonymous inner city patterned after Chicago Follow lives of many characters from regular crops to the captain Started off in bad time slot --> Saturday night @ 10 --> eventually Thursdays @ 10 am.
What were the additional actions taken by UCC Parket + other activist groups to challenge hundred of radio-TV license renewals in the late 60s and early 70s + reasons for challenges?
Parker and UCC join other activist groups -Due to these victories, Parker and UCC join other activist groups -They investigated a number of broadcast performance issues in programming, fairness in news, and hiring practices -UCC credited with pushing FCC to adopt Equal Employment Opportunity requirements for stations -By 1972, activists had challenged license renewals for hundreds of stations, most due to hiring Mean things said about Everrett Parker -Retired in 1983 -Industry magazine Broadcasting grudgingly said he was "founder of citizens movement in broadcasting" who spent "two decades irritating and worrying the broadcast establishment"
What was the development of Niche & Pay Cable Channels?
Pay Cable Channels: Premium channels with no advertising; supported by viewer subscription on top of basic cable subscription. i.e. HBO, Showtime, Cinemax Niche Channels: Specialized programming, channels that focus on one specific type of programming or themes. i.e. CNN, ESPN, MTV, VH1, TLC
Why was Reagan dubbed as the "Great Communicator?
Reagan mastered TV and was labeled "The Great Communicator" and the "Teflon President" for his ability to handle news conferences or speeches and survive controversies Iotla Humany came to power where many of American workers were held hostages, Carter had a hard time to going forth and solving this problem. He was so good he was able to keep controversy away.
Discuss the Iranian Hostage Video:
Set the stage for the Reagan speech/video, and he was really confident about this. His tough stand was utilized and he made Carter look useless. November 4 1979, hatred for Americas grew when America refused to let some Iranians in after needed special medical help. "United States was responsible for all Iran's struggles." It was a religious struggle, middle east politics struggles.
What was another unique characters of sitcoms during the mid 80s-90s?
Stand-up comedians are appearing on their own sitcoms. Ellen DeGeneres - Ellen Tim Allen - Home Improvement Jerry Seinfeld - Seinfeld Roseanne Barr - Roseanne
What are specific characteristics about trash tabloids such as A Current Affair and Inside Edition?
Starting in 1989, tabloid shows like A Current Affair, Inside Edition, Hard Copy, and The Reporters became popular - mainly late afternoons. • Shows focus primarily focused on celebrity scandals, crime, sex and other sensational topics.
What is the FCC Community Ascertainment Rule and why was it important?
The Community Ascertainment Rule - Required stations to talk with variety of community leaders each year to determin the 10 most significant issues in the community at the end of the year, stations had to file a report with the FCC showing wht it had done to respond to these issues
What is the signifigance of repealing the Fairness Doctrine in 1987 after Mark Fowler leaves the FCC?
The FCC argued the Fairness Doctrine violated broadcasters' First Amendment free speech rights by giving government a measure of editorial control over stations. • The expansion of the media universe with cable and other sources made such rules irrelevant, because people had many ways of gaining access to coverage of such issues. • The Fairness Doctrine had a "chilling effect" on discussion of controversial topics - because stations had responded by trying to avoid controversial issues. • Critics site one other reason stations were not raising controversial issues... the rise of TV consultants that also occurred in the 1980s. • Consultants put their emphasis on glitz and glamour and often counseled TV newsrooms to avoid controversy and give people the news they wanted. • Liberalization of rules for owning radio and TV stations allowed mega-corporations to seize control, and their focus tended to be on the "bottom line" rather than the public interest standards.
What was the live recording of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster like?
The launch of the space shuttle we watched showed the lift off of the space shuttle but it unfortunately blew up and there was an explosion, it took a while for NASA to admit that something was wrong. CNN was there from the start and they had live coverage the whole way through
Discuss the clip we watched in class about the Berlin Wall:
The opening of the Berlin Wall helped more germans cross into the west. Thousands of east Germans were able to cross into the western part. Freedom to travel became a staple. There was finally a chance for people to cross without fear. People were so happy to finally be able to do this.
When did American Bandstand become popular?
The show became a national hit with teenagers when Dick Clark took over in 1956, and the show moved to Los Angeles. Clark hosted the show until 1989.
What was the thing that Today Show did to try to save its ratings?
The show didn't do well in the ratings the first year. To bolster the ratings and bring in a family audience, NBC decided to add a mascot - J. Fred Muggs the chimpanzee - to help Garroway on air. The gimmick worked to increase revenue and entice a new audience.
What were the reality shows that FOX initiated?
The traditional networks followed with similar shows including Cops on FOX in 1989. These shows often mixed real-life police footage with dramatic recreations of crimes.
How did the US Supreme Court ruling on NCAA football on TV aided ESPN.
The universities of Oklahoma and Georgia sued the NCAA in 1981, claiming it was a restraint of free trade for the NCAA to dictate what college football games could be aired on TV each fall. · The NCAA had a very restrictive contract with TV networks that limited how many games could be shown nationally each season. · The Supreme Court ruled the NCAA was violating anti-trust laws, and the ruling allowed football conferences to begin contracting to carry many more games... and ESPN was one of the key beneficiaries. · ESPN broadcast its first schedule of college football in 1984 and added NFL Sunday night games in 1987. MLB exploded onto ESPN in 1990.
What was the purpose of adding women to The Today Show in the 1950s?
They were known as the Today Girls - covering the weather, fashion and other "light" stories.
How were Tobacco industries hurt by the removal of advertisements by congress?
They weren't able to promote it on large scales, especially during football games and such. The last ad on TV was for Virginia Slims on NBC's Tonight Show.
What are some elements about the 1980 debates with John anderson and President carter?
Voters were still frustrated with the issues still present. Jimmy Carter had two canidates up against him, Ronald Regan and John Anderson an independent in Illinois. He had an aggressive approach to the energy conservation. Carter didn't want John Anderson to debate with the two canidates, instead Ronald Reagan and Anderson just had the debate and Carter refused to. At the center of anderson's campaign was to have an increase of fuel / transportation for the community. The first debate was able also to help Regan express the position of conservative views and less control from the government. Anderson wanted to increase productivity and not producing and sending out more money. Many people thought that John Anderson had a good chance. Some of the isseus that were being discussed here in 1980 are still present today such as: unemployment, medicare, economy.
What are elements of the Red Lion case and use of the Fairness Doctrine?
WGCB in Red Lion -Radio station in red lion, Pennsylvania -they became involved in a fairness doctrine complaint vs. Reverand Billy James Hargis -Hargis made a personal attack on the loyalty of author Fred Cook for writing a book criticizing GOP president candidate Barry Goldwater -Fred Cook asked for free airtime to reply to Hargis' attack, citing the Fairness Doctrine, but WGCB said he had to buy airtime -FCC ordered the station to obey, and the case went to court
What is the role of the UCC and Parker in terms of the license revocation of WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi?
WLBT-TV -Everrett Parker and UCC targeting WLBT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi as a frequent target for public complaints and FCC warnings for their public service, specifically refusing to air minority programs -Because it had affiliations with ABC and NBC, if one network were to have a program like Nat King Cole, the station would switch programs -WLBT refused to cover local or nation events covering civil rights -Also got in trouble by violating Equal Times Rule by refusing to sell spots to a black congressional candidate
Discuss the clip we watched about Tinnanamen China:
Western journalists were able to finally be able to take video and images of the communist Chinese government to publish and share. This was also beneficial to develop better relationships with westerners. You got to see the devastating aftermath, people who were getting shot in the head, bodies, etc. People were shot while just sitting in their houses, 20 minutes brought 40 seriously injured people. It was a time of lots of fear, and anger. People wanted others to see what society was really like for the Chinese. It ended abruptly after so many people wre killed due to the violence.
What was the live recording of the attempted assassination of President Reagan like?
When Regan had just came out of Washington Hilton hotel and shots were fired. They were able to get all of it on tape and report it back on the station and it was narrated by the anchor and it's a really good depiction of what happened. The shots were aimed at the president but it failed and hit some of his team.
How did The Today Show dominate the ratings later?
With a number of well-known program hosts like Hugh Downs, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw & Jane Pauley, Bryant Gumbel, Matt Lauer and Katie Couric.
How did Roseanne represent a new working class family?
Working class family struggling with life's essential problems: marriage, children, money and parent's in law Both her and her husband worked, they didn't have the typical 1950s family that was so prevalent in previous sitcoms. It shows that women must work in order to make ends me and the male patriarchs had to take a lot more of working jobs in order to provide for their three kids. The family also was very much packed with dry humor and didn't look as "glamorous" as many of the sitcoms had an element of this She isn't your typical mom and her family isn't the typical family that we were used to watching. There was lots of sarcasm and disrespectfulness such as parents telling their kids that it's okay to tell eachother to shut up. The American Family had changed a lot over time.
How was the development of cable TV and computers beneficial?
gave consumers more viewing optons. cable TV stretched from rural to urban places. Also marked the end of network TV dominance. This benefitted consumers and allowed for news to be distributed quicker.
Describe the clip of Dallas we watched in class:
o CLIP WE SAW IN CLASS ABOUT DALLAS: J.R. Ewing is trying to solve some issues present at his job, he hears something happening outside of his office, theres a gun shot and ultimately he is shot. It was a cliffhanger ending. o CLIP WITH ACTOR OF J.R. EWING OF DALLAS: He was talking about how the cliffhanger had at least three episodes until the shooter was revealed. He said that it became a big hit because many people were engulfed in the show and left their dinner early to see the show, airlines and more, the viewers had a suspense to build and it was the second highest rating which the first was the closing of the MASH. Dallas show had the highest of all time supposedly because of the international success.
How did Ellen introduce lesbian and gay issues on her show in the video we watched in class?
o De Generes made history with the show when she came out as gay - both in real life and her character on the show. It was one of the first ventures by TV into the gay lifestyle and provoked controversy by exploring this storyline for the final two years of the show. o As we watch the episode -Notice how the network backs into the issue of being gay. On the show, Ellen is talking with a former college friend who is now a TV reporter. He comes on to her in his hotel room, so she becomes nervous and leaves. She then goes to the room of the reporter's TV producer - Susan Richmond - who tells her she's gay. o Ellen however at first denies being gay too... which caused her to get some criticism in real life from the gay-lesbian community for not being forthright.
What are the characters of women in Charlies Angels?
o Jill, Sabrina & Kelly were police officers whose skills were being wasted in menial duties such as filing and answering phones. o A mysterious millionaire named Charles Townsend took them away from all that by opening his own private investigation agency, and hiring these gorgeous ladies as his operatives with John Bosley acting as their assistant and liaison. • A male figure was involved because often women couldn't do things on their own. o Some critics vilified the show because the women were sexually objectified and because they were under control of a father figure. o Others pointed out the show had many female viewers, because the characters the women portrayed were self-reliant and capable heroines who rescued themselves from danger and often made fools of men. HILMES 304-5
How did newspapers, radio and TV begin to engage in cross media platforms then and today?
o Newspapers now offer online videos with certain stories & some offer their own online webcasts. • Radio stations now offer broadcasts online. Many stations use the Internet to post stories, photos from events or even videos. • Many TV stations & networks have websites with print-style stories similar to a traditional newspaper. • But convergence could lead to the demise of newspapers as well as traditional time segments for local television newscasts.
How did The Golden Girls depict older women in a positive light?
o The four older women are portrayed as divorced/widowed and now roommates. Dorothy's main goal was to find a companion she could relate to while her mother Sophia added her comical outlook. Rose was a little corny but lovable. One thing that changes nearly every episode was whom Blanche is courting. • CLIP WE WATCHED IN CLASS: Dorothy was trying to get tickets to Frank Sinatra and there is conflicts within conflicts. Blanche with her school, Dorothy with concerts, Rose and her silliness, Sophia and her sarcasm. They portrayed the lifestyle of older women as still hip and fun.
How did aduio CDs become important?
they were introduced in order to eplace cassette players. many people didnt like it when they were trying to record off albums to tapes because they had to fastforward to somgs they wanted, whereas with cds they were able to select the songs that they wanted to listen to. vinyls died out after this.
What was Walter Conkrite's criticism of military's rules?
• "That policy severely restricted the right of reporters and photographers to accompany our troops into action, as had been permitted in all our previous wars. o This denial prevented the American people from getting an impartial report on the war. The American people, whose sons and daughters fought that war and whose money financed it, were denied the information to which they were entitled by the military's restrictive policy. • This not only shielded possible military mistakes but also limited reports of individual heroism. As the members of a supposedly democratic government, we lost both ways."
What was the impact of TV Trash Era of daytime talk shows/radio shows?
• As deregulation foes predicted, the late 80s led to a loosening of program standards, which had lasting impacts on both radio and TV: • TV news coverage locally and nationally declined. • A proliferation of shock-jock radio shows pushed the envelope and resulted in a huge increase in complaints of indecency and profanity. • The development of tabloid journalism shows that mimicked real TV newscasts but with content that was bizarre, scandalous or sensational.
What were the changes in daytime soaps shows?
• As more women left their role as housewives to work full-time, the audience for daytime soaps dwindled. • due to younger viewers being drawn in by youth-oriented plots and hyped sexuality. • Many soaps switched from the traditional 30-minute format to 60 minutes - even 90 minutes for Another World. • Soaps remained profitable - NBC's Another World took in $230,000 in advertising per show and only cost $71,000 to produce - a $131,000 profit per show.
How did the end of the Cold War play out on live TV with the removal of The Berlin Wall?
• Broadcasters all over the world were fascinated by the dramatic social/political change when the Berlin Wall came tumbling down- symbolizing the end of East-West division - not just in Germany - but also between US/Europe and the Soviet empire. The celebration of the easing of restrictions between East & West Germany started in November, 1989, and the wall was completely torn down in 1990. • The networks devoted special coverage as East and West Germans were reunited for the first time since 1961, when East Germany erected the wall. • The coverage included more than the fall of the Berlin Wall. It also looked at the freedom achieved by other former Soviet-block countries like the former Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary and Austria.
What is the importance of convergence of media brought about the internet?
• Computers, the Web & digital gave us instant access to all types of traditional media, putting everyone on an equal footing. • Print publications can now compete with radio & TV for breaking news coverage through online sites. • Convergence has forced traditional media to use cross-media platforms to appeal to consumer demands. • As a student, convergence makes it vital for you to be "fluent" in all types of media. Know how to write for print & broadcast as well as understand the basics of digital photos and video.
What did critics think of Fred Friendly talking about the impact of eliminating the Fairness Doctrine would have on radio-TV programming.
• Critics then - and now - believe deregulation lowered the bar for program standards, resulted in increased permissiveness on television and radio, jeopardized children's programming and public service programming. • Fred Friendly said - "What we see on the air now is an electronic midway.'' • Friendly and other critics said deregulation replaced broadcasters with investors, businessmen interested in maximizing profits rather than serving the public ''interest, convenience and necessity'' - the mandate articulated in the Communications Act of 1934. • Friendly argued: ''When there are more people who want to operate stations than there are stations to give out, you can't talk about an open marketplace. You can't talk about the rules of free enterprise in a closed marketplace.''
What are the key ways in which the FCC deregulated radio + TV during the carter and reagan years with specific examples of rules that were modified or eliminated?
• Deregulated radio - ending public service requirements for carrying news and other information programming. • Ended rules that limited radio to no more than 18 commercial minutes per hour. • Allowed applicants for license renewals to file by postcard, ending the era of forms and reports that had to be filed showing the station had operated in the public interest. • Ended the "Ascertainment" requirement where stations had to ask leaders about major issues facing their communities. o A lot of people think that Reagan was the one to blame for the deregulation, however Carter really made an impact.
What was the impact of late night SNL on TV?
• In 1975 - NBC launched another new venture that is still with us today - Saturday Night Live. • Producer Lorne Michaels liked to combine zany comic skits with top musical artists of the day and parodies of commercials. • Memorable characters and sketches included "Weekend Update" with Jane Curtain and Dan Aykroyd; "The Coneheads" with Laraine Newman and Dan Aykroyd; John Belushi and Gilda Radner. • Many comedians got their start on SNL. • Through the years, the show has mixed in lots of political humor. • SNL reruns helped provide lots of material when Comedy Central got started.
How did profanity/indecency issues on prime time music award shows + Super Bowl lead to FCC's new rules
• It decided to hold stations liable for "FLEETING EXPLETIVES" in live, unscripted programming... and it imposed non-monetary sanctions on FOX. • This forced stations/networks to impose 10-second delays on broadcasts of such live events so "FLEETING EXPLETIVES" could be deleted. • Meanwhile, the FCC also fined ABC over $1 million for showing 7 seconds of a bare buttocks and a brief glimpse at the side of a woman's breast on the show NYPD Blue.
How did FOX develop reality shows?
• It found viewers were very interested in real-life police shows headed by America's Most Wanted in 1988 - where viewers could help police with unsolved crimes across the nation.
What was the impact of Johnny Carson on late night television?
• Johnny Carson popularized post-prime time shows with Tonight from 11:30 to 1 on weeknights. • Carson hosted from 1962 to 1992 (with some time off in between) - taking over from Jack Paar, later handing the show off to Jay Leno. • He basically continued the tradition of variety shows that began in the radio days of the 20s and 30s. • Carson's viewers loved his opening stand-up monologues - satirizing current events or other items in the news. • The show always switched from there to the desk and couch where Carson interviewed a lively lineup of stars and performers - most of the time featuring witty humor in the exchanges. • Joan Rivers often served as a guest host in the 1980s --- the first woman to host a national late-night talk show. • Carson always incorporated banter with his bandleader - Doc Severinsen and sidekick Ed McMahon.
What is critical about the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" radio contest?
• KDND-FM in Sacramento, California had listeners tell about their worst Christmas present ever...then chose the "winning entries" and had those contestants come to the studio. • The finalists were challenged to see how much water they could consume. If you had to go to the bathroom or vomit, you were eliminated. • The winner would get a Wii game system. The 2nd place finisher was offered tickets to a Justin Timberlake concert. - 2nd place finisher Jennifer Strange died that afternoon of acute water intoxication, leaving behind 3 children. Station fired 10 staff members. Her family also won a 16-million dollar lawsuit against the station. - Drinking so much water about water intoxication, talking about people could be "dying" from drinking too much water, they were basically picking fun at the fact that they were drinking all the water.
What is the importance of Fred Silverman as the leader of the three network program divisions during this period and the reasons he was praised and reviled?
• Many of his ABC shows like The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Charlie's Angels and Wonder Woman brought strong criticism that the shows contained too much "jiggle" and "sex appeal". But that was offset by his support of Roots. • In 1978, he left ABC to head NBC programming, but he never could get that network back to the top of the ratings, although he pushed through critically acclaimed shows like Hill Street Blues. o Only man in history of television to be program chief at all the big networks (CBS, NBC, NBC) o He had lots of shows that had highly acclaimed excellence o ABC was always the bottom rung network, he could afford to take some risks that other shows wouldn't. i.e. bionic woman, six million dollar man, wonderwoman, charlies angels Failed miserably with NBC's Saturday Night Live
What are the 5 restraints of the US Military placed on media in the 1991 Gulf War?
• No reporters could visit any US Military unit or travel outside of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia or Dhahran except in a press pool. • No press pool was allowed in the field without an escort from a US military public affairs officer. • No interviews of US military personnel without an escort. • Pool dispatches had to pass through military security review, and the military could delete information they thought was "military sensitive." • Violators were subject to arrest, detention, loss of media credentials and expulsion from the combat zone.
How did FOX network begin and compete?
• Rupert Murdoch launched FOX Network in 1986 with a limited amount of programming. • Murdoch began competing with ABC, CBS and NBC network affiliates in major and minor American cities by getting independent stations to join. • Murdoch focused on the strongest independents in the market (such as WXIX, Ch. 19 in Cincinnati). • His focus was on using Fox Studios to produce shows for prime time only - avoiding daytime programs, costly news or public affairs shows. • FOX had 99 affiliates when it began in late 1986, but by the following fall, 115 stations were part of the network. • One of its first successes was on weekend evenings with Tracey Ullman, 21 Jump Street, and Married... with Children. • Eventually, FOX began filling in weekday evenings adding popular shows like Beverly Hills 90210 & The Simpsons. • FOX's early formula continues - hip, irreverent or obnoxiously satirical shows. • By 1992 - FOX had become a 7-day-a- week network and local stations added local news to their lineups.
What were specific concerns in regards to trash day time talkshows?
• Sallie Jesse and Oprah built their shows around engaging the audience in discussions along with their guests, on topics of sex, domestic violence, date rape, incest, mother-daughter relationships, etc. • It was Geraldo Rivera who probably triggered the start of a different type of daytime show in 1987. When his nose was broken in a fight between black activists and white supremacists, topics became even wilder and prone to violent outbursts. • By the early to mid 90s, close to 25 shows were on the air including Jerry Springer, Jenny Jones, Sally, Ricki Lake, etc. trying to outduel each other. Washington Post media critic Tom Shales called it "Talk Rot."
How did shock radio hosts such as Howard Stern launch a new era of indecency/profanity regulation and the kinds of fines the FCC issued?
• Starting in 1987 - sex and profanity-related complaints against radio talk content increased dramatically - and so did the fines. • The FCC eventually began imposing record fines on huge radio station owners like Infinity (carried Stern's show nationwide) and Clear Channel. • Howard Stern received over $2 million in fines over a period of 7-8 years for almost daily acts of indecency/profanity issues. • Viacom/Infinity agreed to pay $3 point 5 million for Howard Stern and other shock jock shows it ran.
How did live TV bring us the Tianamen Square Violence in China worldwide?
• TV also brought the world images from China when the Chinese government halted the Tiananmen Square student uprising. • For seven weeks, students led massive demonstrations seeking democratic reforms. Workers, civil servants and intellectuals joined in, and an estimated 1-million people took to the streets at the high point of the demonstrations. • After the event - the Chinese government barred foreign reporters. • The number of demonstrators killed has been estimated at 2,000 or more... but no one knows for sure.
What is the importance of Superstations on Cable TV?
• Ted Turner pioneered the concept with WTBS in Atlanta - and was the one who coined the phrase "Superstation". • One of his goals was to develop a national audience for his Atlanta Braves baseball team...but he also offered movies & reruns. • He later launched cable niche channels like Turner Network Television (TNT), Turner Classic Movies (TCM), Cartoon Network and CNN • WGN - Chicago; WPIX - NY; WOR - NY soon followed. o Independent stations eating cable, taking away from primetime networks i.e. cbs, abc, nbc, etc. Also there was a increase of different sportst team to come. o Deregulating, more choice and sports became prevalent.
What was Ted Turner's role in helping to spark the growth of cable in the late 70s early 80s?
• Ted Turner's introduction of CNN - The Cable News Network on June 1, 1980 signaled a change no one understood at that time • To maintain viewer interest, all-news channels quickly looked for talk shows or confrontational programs with liberals vs. conservatives. • The Weather Channel blew into town in the summer of 1982 and proved there was an audience for national + local weather updates. Turner really took cable on a new light, interview with Ted Turner about cable networks like the weather channel, espn, cnn, hbo, etc. He had to do a low budget operation and some news events came along that really helped CNN have success since it was on all the time.
What were the medias proposed rules after the Gulf War?
• The Pentagon should accredit independent journalists, who must observe "a clear set of military security guidelines that protect US forces and their operations." Violators should be expelled from combat zone. • Press pools should only be used during the first 36 hours of any major military operation. • Reporters should have free access to all military units. • The military should not monitor or interfere with press interviews or any part of the reporting process.
what is the main central issues of Broadcast vs Cable/Satelllite?
• The concept that the airwaves belong to the people and broadcasters must operate in the public interest, convenience and necessity. • Limits of spectrum space means not everyone who wants to own a station can do so. • Since cable customers receive subscription service via coaxial cable, the FCC has limited rule- making policy on indecency/profanity.
What are some basic facts about the hour long prime time soap operas that were now being featured?
• The fact that the US was going through a recession in the late 1970s and early 80s is one reason that 60-minute soaps became the rage. • Many of the hit shows had a common theme - rich families living excessive lifestyles filled with sex and intrigue. • The show provided an "escape" from real life problems for the middle class. o Lot of people who were working in factories and other companies downsized and revived to television to get away form the realities of life. They hit on the lifestyle of the wealthy, people who were living excessively with backstabbing in the business world as well.
What makes reality TV successful?
• The majority are unscripted - certainly not unplanned - shows. • The fact that they involve "real" people is another attraction. They also can involve celebrities or those hoping to achieve that status. • Many have aspects of game shows such as the ability of the contestants, program hosts or the audience to vote people on or off the show. • Many are based on actual events - but they may be artificial or highly structured. • With so many hours of programming to fill each week, TV and cable networks have found them to be attractive since they are relatively cheap to produce. • Many of these shows have global appeal - they can be adapted to fit a local audience in many different nations.
What was the impact of ENG lightweight cameras coupled with satelite technology to bring live news events into our homes for the first time ever?
• While TV already had mastered live breaking news updates in the 50s and 60s, the 80s saw more live "as it happens" video the nation had not seen before. • 1981 was a pivotal year - as five ENG cameras witnessed the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan March 1981. • Two months later, cameras captured the moments surrounding the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II in May 1981. • Local news departments throughout the U.S. soon recognized the potential of going live to news events - spending the money to equip live trucks for such broadcasts. They were able to finally get more coverage and allow for more resources to be presented.
