tv history final

Shift from broadcasting to Narrowcasting

"Narrowcasting" strategies popularized by Fox and cable stations in the 1980s usurp the networks' traditional strategies for developing programming and finding/attracting the broadest audiences possible *shift from "broadcasting" model" to "narrowcasting" model becomes more entrenched throughout 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s as cable, satellite, and internet/streaming services continue to expand competition -Network Era of US TV (and the business/programming strategies employed since the 1940s) wither out by mid1990s

programming in the 1970s: PBS-- how to and documentary

"how-to" prpgrams- designed to encourage the development of new skills and broaden viewers knowledge on various subject areas such as: -carpentry and home repair, oil painting, gardening, physical fitness, cooking Documentary Programming: major component of nearly all early PBS programming, including childrens programming -broadcast of films by well-known documentaries like the maysles brothers and fredwick wiseman -anthology documentary series about nature, history, science, and tech -and the accidental creation of reality TV in an attempt to document the everyday life of an american family

Relationship between American television of the 1960s and Vietnam

"living room war" first war brought to the people predominantly by TV -first years most coverage very upbeat -abruptly changed after jan 30 1968 when more than 1000,000 Vietcong and N Vietnamese troops invaded South vietnam attacking all major urban areas and may prefiously secure high profiles areas--> disapproval of war jumped from 16% to 45% -tv showed the war as it was-- confused, framented, and questionable endeavor -laugh-in structure became popular, while vietnam war mushroomed

The Cosby Show

(NBC 1984-1992) Situation comedy -socially progressive quality programming -most popular programs of 80s -attracted both high--end niche viewers and the older less affluent suburban segments of mass audience -crossover appeal, brighing yuppie (cliff and clair) with more conservative family values ( represnted by the four generations) -multicultural, politically corret and conspiucous in its cons

changing practices for broadcasting hollywood films on american tv 1940s-1980s

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relationship between american TV of teh 1960s and civil rights

- after brown v. board of education (1954) civil rights movement made the news with 1955 rosa parks -cbs see it now examined the affects of the brown decision on 2 north carolina towns in 1955 -1961-1962 peak for nonfictional programming, including a handful of one hour documentaries on the civil rights movement, such as walk in my shoes (chronicled social problem in america from the perspective of afriacn americans) -urgency of CRM was shown to nation on network news through police abuse of passive demonstrators -- 1963 pivitol year -graphic photos and tv footage resulted in national and international outrage-- eyes finally opened bc of tv coverage -children crusade- time for ignoring or finnessing situation had ended -TV addres to nation by JFK 1963 announcing far reaching civil rights legislatoin to congress, MLK I have a dream speech on TV -seeing was believing -by 1968 it was clear TV powerful and visceral images of CRM had permeated many levels of american social and political reality , instrumental in gaining support for movement

New programming options offered the American public (1980s industrial sea of change)

-"edgier" network content (FOX) and still-edgier cable content -more syndicated programs (independent stations, superstations), including original syndicated content, not just network re-runs -more niche programming (hunting televangelists, music video, etc) -more film broadcasts, sporting events coverage, and courtroom/political coverage -pornography (via subscription services) -programs forced to take creative risks due to budget

personal computers (1940s-)

-1940s-1960s computer tech. in use by the gov, military, universities, research institutions and large private companies -1969: 1st computer designed for consumer use, honeywell 316 adv. in Nieman Marcus xmas catalog use: org. recipes, 10,000$ or 80,000$ today -early 1970s: various personal computers w/ high price tags marketed to ocmputing professionals and hobbyists for home use, no grphical user interface, monitor, keyboard, or mouse, main use:teaching people how to use computers via "build-your-own" kits and lights/switch games -mid1970s: major developments in computers desinged for corp. marketfilter down to consumer models:: xerox, IBM, apple, microsoft, and other hardware and software companies begin serious development for consumer use 1980s: explosion of software development (including data processing, word processing, and video games) adds appeal to personal computers for consumer use, adoption of apple macintosh computers in US schools further popularizes non-professional computing -1990 over 40% of Am. own a computer

1952 Republican National Convention

-1st national political convention broadcast on TV -1st time most Americans learned what actually goes on @ conventions & how presidential candidates are chosen -whole set-up of convention reoriented to suit TV cameras -all attendees advised to adjust dress, behavior, and language to present best image on tv -first use of zoom lenses hand held cameras -nomination process traditionally done behind close doors; RNC tried to ban TV cameras/journalists from proceedings -big uproar from TV viewers- eisenhower camp took publics side -major PR disastor for RNC and Tafts support from public=Eisenhower gets nomination

Presidential Election of 1960: Vice pres. Richard Nixon vs. Sen. John F. Kennedy

-Nixon well-known as Eisenhowers VP but not especially popular with American public -Kennedy from prominent political family and already established as popular guest on TV news shows like Meet the Press -very close race throughout campaign -decide to hold first-ever series of televised presidential debates -debates (and candidates differing TV strategies) become central in determining elections outcome

Notable Horror Hosts: Svengoolie

-Chicago 1970-today -originated by local radio host Jerry Bishop as screaming yellow theater with svengoolie on WFLD -zombie hippie mad scientist character -screaming yellow theatre and bishops version of svengoolie retired in 1973 -in 1979 local TV personality, Rick Koz revived character/show as Svengoolie, hosted by the son of Svengoolie -son of Svengoolie more of a ghoulish vampire with a corny sense of humor -invorporates vaudeville-style humor and lots of local references (Berwyn!) -originally WFLD but moved stations over the years (currently on MeTV)

Console Wars: late 70s and early 80s

-Dozens of companies flood consumer market with different gaming systems including Atari, Panasonic, and Mattel -creates bubble & eventual crash of home video game market in US -major advances in graphics, sound, and gameplay -still largely upper-middle class niche interest

THe Smothers BRothers Comedy hour (1967-1969) -comedy variety show

-Examples of consequences of appropriating the trappings of the counterculture instead of giving voice to its criticisms of the country conservative social more, its ongoing civil rights shortcomings, and growing military intervention in vietnam was never more evident than on this show - not politically radical -spoke out more about turmoil at home and opposition to VIetnam war -instead of leading opinion, they reflected views already had in large segments of public -socially informed skits, jokes and songs -sang dont stop the carnival while showing riots outside democratic national convention=> went through runt hroughs as newtwork reps decided decided allowable footage> cbs censored entire sketch but SMothers refused to insert new material; sold it to RNC -CBS abruptly canceled series -

Introduction of the 4th Broadcast Network: (Fox)

-Following deregulation policies of early 1980s, Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch buys up 96 independent stations across the US, along with 20th century Fox (hollywood production companY) as part of his "News Corp." empire -These 96 formerly independent stations rebranded as affiliates of the brand-new Fox Network in 1986 -first new broadcast network in 1940s IMPACT OF THESE CHANGES: 1980: massive changes in programming/strategies/content -1990s & beyond: shift from broadcasting to narrowcasting -shift from monoculture to niche culture

Kennedy Administration: TV as Public Relations

-Kennedy admin. also seeks to use TV as a tool for encouraging civic engagement and public support for initiatives -frequent TV appearances/speeches by JFK, often looking straight on into camera to "directly address" the public -all white house press conference briefings opened for live TV broadcast starting in 1960 -capitalize on public fascination with young, glamorous First Family to "model" the American family of the New Frontier/1960s -Press (including TV) given unprecedented access to First Lady, daughter Caroline, and private side of White House itself

notable horror hosts: Morgus the magnificent

-New Orleans region, 1950s-present -originally created by local actor Sid Noel -mad scientists character (with a healthy dash of Dr. Frankensteins assistant Igor) -so popular he starred in a low-budget horror film, the wacky world of Dr. Morgus (1962) -Morgus role continued by a series of actors on various New Orleans stations over the decades -tradition followed by many other horror

Kennedy Administration: The New Frontier

-Post- Sputnik, mass criticism that Eisenhower years made Americans passive, materialistic, provincial automatons clinging to the past -Kennedy admin. proposes "New Frontier" initiatives that will help Americans compete with the Soviet Union by promoting Education, Creativity, aventurousness, and embrace of the new -plan involves major investment/restructuring of education and tech programs, among many other areas of American life

The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984

-Removed most govt. regulations on cable networks and cable service providers (incl. restrictions on rates) to encourage growth/competition *led to explosion of new cable networks from 1984 onward *also led to 3 companies taking exclusive control of cable provider market (divided by region), shutting out competition and allowing for price-fixing -Illusion of Consumer choice:

1970s: Socially-Conscious Sitcoms

-Reverses LOP strategy trend of 1960s -New interest in representing diverse characters/families, depictions of working class AMerican life, and direct exploration, of hot-button social issues -means for working through issues as a culture in non confrontational environment -primarily associate with CBS sitcoms of Norman Lear, but also copied by other networks and producers ex: All in the family, Good TImes

Long term impact of network differentiation

-Shift from broadcasting to narrowcasting -shift from monoculture to niche culture

Superstations

-TV stations (not networks) that are licensed by the FCC for local, over-the-air broadcast but use satellite to expand their broadcast transmission beyond local airwaves *primarily broadcast movies, sports, and syndicated content *cable providers initially eager to bring superstations on board, offering more channel options to subscribers *Outcry from local stations in various regions when imported superstation broadcasts duplicated their syndicated content *1990: FCC requires superstations to black out or show alternate content when duplicating syndicated content already available locally -peak in popularity during 1980s -following syndication policy implementation, most switched formats, or later, became part of WB/UPN/CW networks -TBS in Atlanta (1975)-switched to basic cable broadcast only in 2007 -WGN in Chicago (1978) spun off non local programming as WGN America cable in 2014 -Handful of superstations remain, concentrated mostly on East/West coast cable providers

birth of cable industry (1950s-1960s)

-cable tech used in rural and/or mountainous regions where antenna signals were poor -provided consumer access to nearest TV stations broadcasts -could also important distant signals as well -local and affiliate stations (And their network owners) concerned about competition-- pressure FCC to restrict further development and prevent creation of cable-only stations -created a "Freeze" which lasted until early 1970s

ABC close up: walk in my shoes

-african american living in the 60s -directly address problem -direct insight into lives thoughts and experiences of those immersed in civil rights movement

Nixon-Kennedy Debates

-aired on all three networks over four nights -Kennedy hired broadcast strategist in advance, worked on finding best lighting/angles and using TV set-up to his advantage -Nixon focused on studying facts, statistics, rejected all coaching or preparation that didn't deal with "substance -Nixon criticized for appearing sweaty and pallid under TV lights, blending into the background due to his gray suit, and distracing viewers by fidgeting when he didn't think cameras were on him TV viewers on debate: Kennedy clearly one Radio viewrs: Nixon

Independent Stations

-aka "local stations" with no network affiliation *initial expansion of independent local stations follows FCC lift UHF band restrictions in mid-1950s *most American TV sets not even capable of picking up UHF signals, though (WHY?) -FCCS all-channel receiver act of 1962 requires all future US television sets to include both VHF and UHF channels -Growth of cable providers (and ability to transmit all broadcast channels regardless of location/frequency) suddenly turns independent stations into real competition for the networks -as cable expands in late 1970s/1980s, explosion of new independent stations enter the market competing with each other and network affiliates -like superstations, ind. stations largely rely on movie and syndicated programming for content -proliferation of various independent stations within the same markets drive up demand for non-redundant syndicated programming **Syndication moves beyond re-runs of old networks programs to become major source of ORIGINAL programming content in 1980s & 1990s (ex: star trek: the next generation, The Wendy Williams Show)

1975 Atari Pong: video games

-atari launches home version of pop. arcade hit -single game system -adds scoring and sound to basic monochromatic graphics -major hit in consumer market -kicks off "console wars" of late 1970s and early 1980s

TV movies 1990s

-betworks licensing films for broadcast much less frequently (reserved for special events like schindlers list and annual showing of the sound of music for easter) -growth of cable stations leads to new competition in made for tv movies too (lifetime) -films on network TV begin to largely fade away -legacy of big era of movies on TV lives on in tradition of horror hosts and re-runs of classic holiday specials

relationship between tv and culture wars

-big ratings for graphic/gruesome news coverage leads to expansion of this programming which, leads to high ratings for cheap/easy escapist LOP shows- rinse & repeate -spring representation of counterculture into largely establishments programming as entertain "color" -networks get the hipcache of counterculture aesthetic while simultaneously neutering the political critique of these figures -in addition to Vietnam, constant life, full-color coverage of other large-scale disturbing events (Assassinations, riots, protests, police/military assaults and murder of unarmed civilians) further the sense of turmoil and cultural divison

TV coverage of the apollo 11 moon landing

-bring nation back together (just temporarily) took vietnam war off the front pages temporarily -suggested possible brighter future -highlights covered on tv through 9 days core telecast took place over 21 hours -largest audience for any tv program up to that point -demonstrated scientific and technological superiority over russia for the entire world to see -uncertainty made for an earaly and unusualaly compelling brand of reality programming -shot with fixed lens and perspective, static and hazy pics -contributed to a global self awarejess

Industrial developments of TV in the 1960s

-network era/netwrok oligopoly takes hold -growing importance of nielson ratings -popularization of videotape and handheld cameras -mainstreaming of color TV

Differentiating the network "brands" (1980s): NBC

-catering to 'sophisticated' higher-income/higher-educated viewers -prgrams about upper middle class families (Cosby Show, Family ties) and professionals (LA law, st. elsewhere) -focus on big-name show runners and stars (mary tyler moore stable of producers/writers, bill cosby, steven bocho) -promotion of unusual storytelling, challenging (hot button) subject matters, and high-quality production values (Ex. michael manns miami vice)

Differentiating the network "brands" (1980s): CBS

-catering to older viewers ,female viewers, and viewers "left out" by edgy and/or risque programming championed by other channels -long-in-the-tooth hold-over hits from 1970s (MASH, The JEffersons) and nighttime soaps (Dallas, Falcon Crest) -Also programming that adhered to traditional genre formats (the family/workplace sitcom, the crime/detective series) with females and/or senior citizen progtagonists (Kate & Allie, Cagney & LAcy, Murder She wrote)

Differentiating the network "brands" (1980s): ABC

-catering to young families, yuppies, and the working class, depending on the night/programming block -HAven for family-friendly programming like The Wonderful World of DIsney and The Wonder YEArs -also somewhat edgy (artistically if not 'gritty') programming like Roseanne, Moonlight, Max HEadroom, and thirtysomething (massive yuppie powerhouse)

major historical and cultural current associate with 1960s

-civil rights movement -president lyndon b johnsons great societ -generation gap -rock n roll music -vietnam war -student protests -womens liveration -rise of counterculture and subsequent reaction by silent maojrity *all surface after JFKs assasination

Changing practices for including TV journalists/cameras in White House press briefings and press conferences from 1940s-1960s

-eisenhoward initated TV blackout in presidential run -print journalists wanted to retain their superior positiion -top 3 main tv networks (CBS ABC NBC) said wherever a pencil goes our camera goes, fought for fundamental right of TV news to cover presidential candidate to establish legitimacy -eisenhoward recognized inevitability of TV and relented

Eisenhowers 2nd term (1956-1960)

-eisenhower makes periodic tv apperances to address the public directly regarding various crises (school integration in little rock, societ launch of sputnik) -Eisenhower also attempts to use TV apperances to "reassure" the public about his health/competency following heart attack -fewer and fewer apperances as economy begins to tank and Cuban Revolution unfolds

1956 Presidential Election Eisenhower vs. Stevenson again

-eisenhower wins -both parties now much more savvy about importance of tv -both parties staging or tailoring public events designed for maximum play on TV -TV campaign adds put more emphasis on production value and "Personality" of the candidates than issues or candidates views -hitchhike ads

According to CBS president James Aubrey, what are elements for a "non-objectionable" program

-escapist with virtually no acknowledgement of contemporary problems, poilities, or social issues (EX. twilight zone) -favors consensus narratives -simple in premise and storytelling -appeals to children (CBS coping ABCs succes) and/or socially-conservative adults (demographic CBS identified as underserved by current programming)

causes of network oligopoly

-existing network oligarchy model of US radio broadcasting established in 1920s/30s -->developing tv industry of 1930s-40s largely recreates this model -->all 3 tv networks originally powerful US radio networks -->same execs same values, same strategies -->same advantages/established relationships with gov, advertisers, talent and the american public -FCC licensing freeze --> advantage to big 3 netwroks in establishing affiliate stations early and in most lucrative markets --> nearly impossible for anyone else to enter the network business -discovery of successful TV program/genre and scheduling formulas in 1950s -widespread embrace of TV over radio, film & other mediums

programming developments of the 1960s

-expnasion of news and documentary programming -LOP strategy/consensus narratives -rural backlash -commodifying the counterculture

The Vampira Show (1954-1955)

-feature character of "vampira" introducing weekly film and engaging in horror-themed skits @ intervals/commercial breaks -vampira played by actress Maila Nurmi (look based on Morticia Addams) -so popular ABC wanted to take it national -Nurmi refused to sell them the rights to her character/likeness -ABC retaliated by canceling vampira show

1972: Magnavox Odyssey (Video game)

-first video game console to hit US consumer market -features 12 pong-like games on 6 cartridges -monochromatic graphics and no sound -sells poorly

Nintendo Entertainment System (1985)

-following crash, many US companies pull out of home video game market -Japanese companies like Sega & Nintendo fill the voice -NES run-away consumer success in mid/late 1980s -home video game consoles reach mainstream, middle-class pop.

Cable Era

-following intro of HBO and Satellite delivery service for content, Subscription Television Services (cable) grow rapidly in US marketplace -1972: 365 HBO subscribers -1983: 13 million HBO subscribers -1976: 15% of Americans subscribe to some form of pay-TV cable service -1983: 40% of Americans subscribe to some form of pay-TV cable service

Made-for-TV movies: Subgenre: The After School SPecial

-generic name comes from The ABC AFterschool special but also includes The CBS Schoolbreak Special and NBC's SPecial Treat -Anthology series of 60-90 min made-for-tv movies aimed at pre-teens -Dealth with adolescence-focused social issues like peer pressure, drug use, shop-lifting, and ? EX: "Stoned", getting high gets him friends but into deep trouble

birth of cable industry 1970s

-growing investor interest in financial potential of cable- lots of lobbying at local, state and federal levels -recession in full force; federal gov. desperate for ways to jump-start US economy -combination of the above leads to gradual deregulation of FCC restrictions on cable industry growth throughout the decade

Major Changes to TV industry during 1980s:

-network turmoil & corporate conglomeration -New technologies challenge networks' (and TVs) Media Dominance -New competition for the Networks

changing practices for broadcasting hollywood films on american tv 1970s

-new tv genre: made for tv movie

1952 Pres. Election: Eisenhower campaign embraces TV as its own form

-hires advertising consultant to re-work campaign rhetoric to play better for TV audiences -simplified language, fewer ideas repeated more often, Eisenhower coached to take on a "downhome/folksy" demeanor -Eisenhowers "elite" background downplayed -steveson caricatured as snobby, ivory tower intelect -put together TV ad campaign where eisenhower is filmed in advance answering pre-scripted questions asked by people paid to play role of "Americans from across country" -eisenhower wins with 55% of vote **media template for many future campaigns has been constructed**

network oligopoly

-industrial/economic model US television followed throughout the 1960s -all control over program scheduling, costs, content, and advertising (Aside from FCC oversight of broadcast standards/censorship) in hands of NBC, CBS, and ABC network executives -virtually NO competition in US TV marketplace causes:

cable tv

-infrastructure (actual cables in ground, saellites) provided by private corporations on federal/state land -no direct FCC regulation of content: industry self-censors/regulates (w/ exception of obscenity laws) -unlimited number of channels -no public interest obligations -numerous business models possible (advertising, subscription, etc.)

Network (Terrestrial) TV:

-infrastructure (public airwaves) freely provided with FCC license -FCC regulation of content -some content in the public interest (like news & pres. addresses) required regardless of profit -limited availability of bandwidth (only so many possible channels) -limited to advertiser- supported business model -

Relationship between American television of the 1970s and the changing demographics of the average American family

-interracial marriage federally legalize (1957) mixed race marriages and biracial children increasingly common -divorce, gov. regan signs no-fault divorce into law in california 1969, other states quickly follow, divorce rates sky-rocket throughout country, single parent homes, blended families, and "latch-key"kids much more prevalant

Fairness Doctrine:

-introduced in 1949 -required holders of broadcast licenses to: 1. devote some portion of airtime to coverage/discussion of controversial issues or other subjects of public importance 2. do so in a manner that is"honest, equitable and balanced" 3. by airing contrasting views regarding such matters -designed to ensure americans were well-informed and presented with a variety of viewpoints on important subjects -also designed to prevent anyone political party or powerful figure from shaping medias presentation of information/events (and public perception of same) in ways beneficial to that part or individual -abolished under the regan administration in 1987

Equal time rule

-introduced in Radio ACt of 1927: still in effect today -requires any station that sells or gives airtime to one political candidate to offer airtime (equivalent in length, cost, and viewership prominence) to all qualified candidates running for the same office -airtime does not only include ad spots-- also includes non-news interviews (ex. 20/20) or airing of programming produced by campaigns or PACs (ex. 30 min primetime special about how awesome candidate X is) -stations also prohibited from censoring candidates -stations are NOt require to modify the rates offered to candidates based on candidates ability to pay (wealthier campaigns still advantaged) -exceptions: covg. of political "news events" (conventions, debates, etc.) talk shows and other non-news/entertainment programming (Ex. the tonight show) -designed to prevent media from manipulating the outcome of elections by giving more ad spots, better ad spots, or more favorable coverage to one candidate over the others

industrial developments of 1970s

-introduction of VCR to consumer market -professional use of magnetic tape videocassettes and videocassette recorders (VCRs) widespread in TV industry from late 1950s-onward -1972 debut of VCRs designed for consumer use (recording directly from TV to blank videocassettes only) -1975 debut of movies on videocassette; mail order movie rental services (similar to netflix disc service) via catalogue) -VCRs and videocassettes grow in popularity through 1970s but remain largely a niche interest until 1980s

What advantages did the networks still have over many of their competitors (1980s industrial sea change)

-largest viewership/potential audience (the 40% of Americans with cable plus the 60% without) -track recorcd of successful program development -established relationships with TV production industry, advertisers, creatives (stars, showrunners, etc.) -Brand Recognition, brand loyalty, habitual viewrs -money!!

Video Games

-late 1960s: various protypes for home game systems, but consumer appeal extremely limited -early 19702: growing pop. for video-based aracade games (pong), new interest in developing home video game system for consumer market -1972: Magnavox Odyssey -1975: Atari Pong -Late 70s/early 80s: Console Wars -1985: Nintendo Entertainment System

Competitors advantages over the 3 broadcast netowrks

-less regulation of content allows for more expiremental programming (live court proceedings, edgier programs like Married with Children or HBO undercover, etc.) -Less dependence on ratings/pleasing advertisers allows for riskier programming strategies (24-hour news) and ability to target, "speciality" demographics (political junkies, African-americans, DEvout christians, teenagers, etc.) -ability to "brand" selves in opposition to the establishment (new, edgy, nice interests, niche audiences, etc)

results of network oligopoly

-little incentive for networks to take risks (politically or creatively) -lessened power for advertisers/ad agencies -lessened power for creatives in terms of money (production budgets & talent/crew salaries) and in terms of program content -programs increasingly formulaic and cheap -very little choice for american TV viewers (only alt. options are local programming and syndicated programing)

Sen. Adlai Stevenson (DNC Nominee)

-lousy in TV appearances (too wordy, stiff, nervous) -UNLIKE eisenhower, blows off importance of TV and doesn't work to improve his televisual image -DNC has less than 1/2 adv. budget of RNC in 1952 (less $ for ads, esp. Tv ads in prime spots) -DNC/Stevenson also treat TV as just another outlet for same ads theyre running in print and radio- little effort to take advantage of the new medium

walter cronkite

-made his debut as anchorman for CBS news made constant references to secrecy of the proceedings of the credential commitee hearing for presidential nominee, RObert taft campaign wanted to keep cameras out -CBS news on sept 1963 expanded from 15-30 min after MLK speech, grew more aggressive in reporting that summer -declared vietnam war over

1960s programmnig developments: expansion of news & documentary programming

-news and doc. become an increasingly greater portion of network programming starting in 1960s -direct response to Newton Minnow/ FCC criticism of TV programming as a "vast wasteland" -intro to handheld cameras and videotape allowed greater mobility, spontaneity, and ability to compile/edit material at affordable cost -JFK assas. coverage demonstrated public appetite for extensive coverage of news events and socially=relevant issues (and willingness to watch ALOT of it = $$)

1980s Industrial Change: Broadcast Network Programming Strategies:

-offering what the competition could not -aping competitors programs -aping competitors strategies LONG TERM IMPACT OF ALL THESE CHANGES: -shift from broadcasting to narrowcasting -shift from monoculture to niche culture

the VCR

-offers the ability to record programming from the TV and to view pre-recorded content via borrowed, rented, or purchased videocassettes -1972: first VCR intro to american consumer market -1981: little more than 1% of americans own VCRS -1991: over 70% of Americans own VCRs -2 competing formats initially available to American consumers: VHS & Betamax

How PBS works

-pbs NOT a network- no nationally-produced programming, no control over member stations content/scheduling -member stations function independently with PBS facilitating distribution of available programming between member stations *sources of PBS programming: -produced by local member stations (ex WTTW and chicago tonight) -purchased from independent production companies (ex. childrens TV workshop & sesame street) -imported from other public broadcasting networks (Ex. bbc's sherlock) -member stations free to choose or produce own programming based on interets of viewers in its region -member stations also responsible for raising the donations to fund their own operating costs beyond that provided by CPB result: content of PBS member stations varies greatly region-to-region -majority of org. prgramming comes from stations in regions where donations are the largest (urban centers, east and west costs)

New Technologies gaining popularity in the 1980s

-personal computers -video game consoles -the VCR -videocassette rental stores

General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Republican nominee)

-popular WWII military leader, already nationally famous -NOT favored candidate for Rep. nomination but used TV to help him secure the nomination -following Murrows Advice, hired coach (CBS correspondent) to help him improve appearances on TV after disastrous first TV interview (awkward mumbling) -worked to improve appearance, body language, speech, & demeanor to look/sound better on TV

Kennedy Administration: Criticism of "the TV president"

-popularity of JFK's televised speeches/addresses leads to public debate about the "bully pulpit" TV afforded the president -use of televised speech to American public during Cuban Missile Crisis to present ultimatum to USSR/Kruschev/Castro rather than traditional channels of negotiation/discussion between nations -Also criticism for not speaking ENough about certain issues (Esp. Civil RIghts) on tv -JFKs 1963 televised speech on civil rights pointed to as factor in his assassination, having enraged many Southern Whites

TV & presidential press conferences & briefings

-pre-1955: no photos, film/audio recording, broadcasting or direct quotations are allowed *gives administrations tight control over how info is distributed, how Pres. is presented to public -1955: Eisenhower begins allowing filmed, edited, and delayed broadcasts of press conferences and briefings on US TV *protective filter between administrations and the public is lessened quite a bit (gaffs, off the cut remarks, controversial questions or responsive, etc.) 1965: much more savvy about importance of TV *both parties begin staging or tailoring public events designed for maximum "play" on tv

result of LOP strategy

-premises so simple that a 30 sec opening credits sequences could give a viewer everything they needed to know to understand any random episode of a show they'd never seen -escapism through child-friendly fantasy set ups -escapism through nostalgia for an idealized rural past -escapism through some combination of the previous two -a golden age of TV show opening credits music

LOP strategy

-program-development strategy pushed by CBS pres James Aubrey and largely copied by NBC and ABC following Aubreys massive success -posited that according to Nielson data most American TV viewers tune in to LOP (avoiding controversial topics and featuring consensus narratives) -strategy for the development of TV programs to capture largest viewership possible -used nielson data as evidence that american TV viewers tended to choose the "least objectionable programming" options more often than not -championed by CBS; later copied by ABC and NBC -created a template for MANY programs of teh 1960s (and beyond)

TV in the 80s

-remote control switch -consumers becoming more proactive in their tv viewing behavior -people meters: nielson ratings

Network Turmoil & corporate conglomeration (1980s) wk 12

-series of Regan-era policies remove anti-trust restrictions and gov. regulations from many US industries -designed to grow economy/allow for greater competition -ends up creating massive corporate conglomerates that rapidly buy up entire industries, including the US broadcast industry (and cable industry) 1985: All 3 television broadcast networks purchased IMPACT OF THESE CHANGES ON US TV INDUSTRY: -networks no longer stand-alone companies focused solely on one industry (broadcast tv) -network leadership now answering to corporate owners (who often have little if any experience in broadcast industry) -major changes to programming & business strategies

Impacts of major changes to tv history during 19980s on the 1990s and beyond

-shift from broadcasting to narrowcasting -shift from monoculture to niche culture

Network programming in the 1970s: Overlapping trends for 1970s network programming

-socially-conscious sitcoms -women -made-for-tv movies -the miniseries

Narrowcasting

-strategies popularized by Fox and cable stations in teh 1980s usurp the network's traditional strategies for developing programming and finding/attracting the braodcast audiences possible

changing practices for broadcasting hollywood films on american tv 1940s

1940s: tv execs need to fill up airtime faster/cheaper than can produce original programing, want to license films for broadcast, big hollywood studios refuse rights, tv execs license films for less presitgoious hollwood and british studios instead (largley "B-pictures= low bdugets/genre: horror, westerns, scifi, etc.

Newton Minnow (Kennedy FCC Chair)

-takes TV industry to task for using the public airwaves to create a "vast wasteland" of ads, gameshows, mindless entertainment, and nothing of value or substance -specifically singled out formula comedias abaout unbelievable families -challenged the industry to reevaluate public service obligations of tv and create more programming aimed at informing, educating, and enriching viewers -RESULT: expansion of news programming, creation of dramas dealing with social issues, portions of primetime given over to documentaries and news/public affairs specials

What new compettion were the broadcast networks suddenly facing during the 1980s?

-technology: personal computers, video games, VCRs& Video rentals -4th broadcast network (FOX) -Independent STations (newly empowered) -Superstations -Syndication -Cable

Role of TV in 1952 presidential election

-the year in which TV began to dominate political decision making -Tv had already become the common reference point among americans for creating national consensus on what mattered, setting countrys agenda for debate and action -eisenhower call David Schoeburn CBS correspondent to coach him on-air skills "if you dont improve your work on tv you will never be elected" (baldness, concoluted style of speech) -cbs introduced him live from hometown- rainy and horrible-picture was dismal -press conference shcheduled to answer more questions, TV cameras and lights were not welcome -candidates did not like being on TV but EIsenhower allowed media advisors to strategize how to best convey the commen touch -adlai stevenson felt it was al a gimmick and rejected building a TV technique, didnt listen to media advisors and thats what made all the difference *republicans had 2x $ to spend than democrats

Made-for-tv movies

-though created in mid-1960s, primtime made-for-tv movies hit peak popularity during the 1970s and early 1980s and teh escapist nature of most of entertainment programming through 1960s **closing the huge gap between topicality of tV news -featured top TV stars, often playing against type -frequently based on true stories, best-selling books, or "ripped from the headlines" controversial topics -especially sucessful made-for-TV movies were released in movie theaters or, later, on VHS -Notable sub genre= The After School SPEcial

changing practices for broadcasting hollywood films on american tv 1960s

-tv and hollywood intermingling more and more -spetial relationships between studios and networks (ex. disney & abc) -majority of tv productions shifts from NY to hollywood -most hollywood studios begin producing TV programs for the networks (more lucrative than movies for many of them) -holly wood opens up licensing for post 1948 fims (For very high fees) -networks find big success broadcasting newer films as major primtime events -high-budget weekly film shows like ABCs movie of the week become standard on saturday nights for next 2 decade

The Beverly Hillbillies CBS

-used to revive situation comedy -consensus narrative

All in the family

-violated LOP -archie bunker -lower middle calss fam from queens composed of loud mouthed bigoted patriarch named archie and his lovable long suffering wife efith -weekly arguments between archie and mike- old school blue collar loading dock worker vs. liberal college student with long hair in tiedye shirts ARchie frequently errupted in a nonstop stream of racial and ethnic slurs, calling backs "jungle bunnies" jews "hebes" and purto ricans "spics" -gave voice to deep seats prejudices that most bigots simply left unsaid except in their own home

1960s documentaries/news specials

-weekly/periodic anthology series (like ABC close Up) examining a different social or political issue each episode -one-off documentary specials (like a tour of the whitehouse with MRS. john f kennedy)

Network Programming in the 1970s: WOMEN

-womens liberation movement inspires new interest in programs revolving around female characters -trend across dramas, sitcoms, variety shows, made-for-tv-movies, and miniseries -female characters no longer limited to being just mothers or wives -still largely limited to being white, middle/upper-class, and conventionally attractive -mary tyler moore show -rhoda -wonder woman

notable horror hosts: Zacherley

1950s-1960s Philadelphia and New York region -played by local radio host John Zacherle -most well-known of originaly shock theater hosts -suave undertaker who frequently told stories about his "dear wife" who was supposedly preserved (and never seen) in a coffin beside him on the set

horror hosts

1940s-1950s -B movies significant source of programming for local stations - most popular include low-budget silly often kid friendly horror films -local LA affiliate station, KABC capitalizes on this with The Vampira Show

History of holiday specials

1950s: holiday-themed episodes (usually Thanksgiving & christmas) of tv shows standard writers room practice -annual variety show-style christmas spectaculars also popular 1960s: expanded film licensing leads to tradition of airing certain films annually for holidays (ex. its a wonderful life at christmas time) -popularity of reruns meets new interest in producing films for TV to create the holiday special -golden era: 1960s-1980s -initially just christmas; later expands to include Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween and more (its presidents day, charlie brown!) -sometimes full 2 hr made for tv movie involving holiday appropriate themes -more often 30-60 minute animated special aimed at children and aired during primtime -animated specials= longer shelf life (and more nostalgia factor) **its the great pumpkin charlie brown (cbs, 1966)

Color TV goes mainstream

1953: FCC approves industry standards for color broadcast mid/late 1950s: NBC begins broadcasting select shows (like Howdy Doody; CBS follows suit (sporadic programs and specials in color) Early 1960s: CBS moves more programs to color production; begins broadcasting whole nights of programming in color 1966s: all 3 networks switch to color broadcasting of all programing and ads 1968: 25% of americans owned color TV sets 1971: 50% of americans owned color tv sets

intro of PBS

1954: non-profit educational television and radio center (ETRC) created with a grant from the Ford Foundation -service for distributing 5 hours of educational programming a day to national "network" of affiliated local stations -all programming funded and produced by local stations then distributed via ETRC on kinescopes to other affiliated local stations throughout the country - programming largely adult-education oriented; nicknamed "the university of the air" 1963: ETRC rebranded as National Educational Television (NET) -broadens focus to creating educational "4th network" alternative to vast wasteland programming on offer from NBC, ABC, and CBS -begins producing own programs- in depth public affairs shows, documentaries exploring controversial social issues-- but locally produced educational shows (like the french chef with julia child) still largest component of NET programming -avg broadcast day on NET stations expands to 10 hrs

dramatic color change on TV

1965: I spy Bill cosy and Robert culp as secret agent and best friends, -made it much easier for other black actors and actresses to subsequently find continuing roles in other tv series -helped Diahann caroll as nurse on NBC julia *signs of social progress

intro of PBS cont. (1966-1970)

1966: in response to recommendations from Commission on Education TV report, federal gov funds the creation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) 1967: CPB take over NET, gradually phases out most of NET produced programming, relying more on programming produced by local affiliate stations (goal to cater programming to regional interests) 1970: CPB rebrands NET's existing network of affiliated local stations as the Public Broadcasting System (PBS)

made-for-tv-movie

1970s films produced exclusively for tv broadcast, extremely pop, often include big TV film stars -deal with controversial social issues ripped from headlines -sometimes education or simply salacious or mawkish -dove tails with rise of miniseries and spectacle tv

Network Turmoil & Corporate Conglomeration (1970s)

1970s: Industry dominance enjoyed by NBC, CBS and ABC since 1950s starts being challenged by growing competition from nascent cable and video markets -Declining viewership/advertising revenue increasingly noticeable by end of decade How networks responded:::: -series of executive shake-ups -wild shifts in programming strategies -tons of $$ poured into "event" programming (made for tv movies, mini series, etc.)

Roaseanne

1988 abc -attracted blue chip gemographics and pink collar -wise cracking down to earth un-yuppie -satiric view of men marriage children and housework palced her firmly at the cutting edge of a new generation of women comics -presented boisterous and unrepentantly working-class family that was seemingly mired in an endless succession of no-win options

Tv coverage of president kennedy assassination

4 days nov. 22-25 coverage

ROots miniseries

8 consecutive evenings on ABC -odyssey of one black family through several generations of slavery

The Mini-Series: Roots

ABC 1977 (8-part series) -Based on best-selling novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley -Explored the history of American slavery and its repercussions through the story of one enslaved man and his descendants -$6.6 million budget, huge all-star cast, massive ratings hit and cultural touchstone

consensus narratives

attempted to hold an increasingly divided country together at a difficult time

Ted Turner

Atlanta based cable entrepreneuer attempted a hostile takeover of CBS -owned Turner broadcasting system made up of the Cable News Network (CNN), CNN headline news, superstation WTBS, -TUrners move signaled growing strength and stature of cable tv -CBS bought 21% of his stock in return going further into debt -emerged asunofficial spokes person for cable TV after his launch of WTBS in 1976 and CNN, CNN headline news, TNT, TCM , Cartoon CHannel

changing practices for broadcasting hollywood films on american tv 1950s

B-pictures increasingly popular with TV audiences and local stations -RKO (former major film studio) start to go bust & owner (howard hughes) starts licensing rights to RKO's pre 1948 films -Desilu buys RKO, expands licensing films to TV & shifts focus of studio to TV production -hollywood in general dealing with major downturn at box office compounded by competition from TV -other major studios follow RKOs lead, begin licensing pre-1948 films to TV -lucrative for hollywood & tv -weekly movie shows (usually hosted by local or has-been celibrity) become a staple on local tv stations around the country

Broadcast Network Programming Strategies: Aping Competitors Strategies

By mid-1980s, NBC, CBS, and ABC begin adopting (to the extent that they can) their competitors' strategic focus on distinct demigraphic groups *Difference: networks can't focus on smallest niche audiences that cable networks can (not worth it), but can focus on larger niche groups (like working women) desirable to advertisers *by late 80s/early 90s, concept of TV shows designed to appeal to all audiences (like The Cosby Show) increasingly replaced in network schedules by TV shows aimed @ different (but still sizeable) demographics

All In the Family (socially-conscious sitcoms)

CBS (1971-1979) -A working-class bigot (Archie Bunker) struggles with changing social mores, his changing urban neighborhood, and the culture clash between Archie and his left-leaning daughter and son-in-law -Explored issues such as racism homosexuality, rape, breast cancer, death, and the Vietnam War

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

CBS 1970-1977 -sitcom -a single career-woman works as a producer for a local news program while bonding with her colleagues and neighbors -popularize the "workplace sitcom" format -Mary Tyler Moor powerful real-life TV producer as well, developing over a dozen hit sitcoms in the 70s and 80s

Socially-conscious sitcoms: Good Times

CBS 1974-1979 -a hard-working family struggles to build a better life for themselves while living in the cabrini-green housing project -first American sitcom to feature an African American family -explored poverty, institutional racism, child molestation, drug use, and gang violence

socially-conscious sitcoms: The Jeffersons

CBS 1975-1985 -a successful businessman (George Jefferson) moves his family from a middle-class African-American neighborhood in Queen to a penthouse in predominately white upper-east side Manhattan -Explored interracial marriage, suicide, gun control, and race/class prejudice

MASH

CBS set behind the lines in Korea during the 1950s following the irreverent exploits of Captain HAwkeye and the rest of the doctors and nurses -combined topicallity of ALl in the FAmily with character comedy of Mary Tyler Moore Show

1980s: What restrictions did the networks face that many of their competitors in TV did not

FCC regulations on content -PUblic interest obligations (Regardless or ratings potential) -advertister-supported financial model -dependence on ratings -reputation as the boring, familiar "establishment" tv option

Married With Children

FOX 1987-1997 dysfunctional family from hell sitcom

The Simpsons

FOX 1988-present -hip youth oriented series half hour animated comedy series -- emerging as signature program for fox

Broadcast Network Programming Strategies: Key 1980s Demographics

Groups identified as extremely desirable to advertisers and thus, hotly pursued by the networks included: -working women -yuppies (young urban professionals) -Working Class Families (anti-yuppies) -teens/young adults -senior citizens NOte: lots of overlap/cross-over in shows & demographics

Presidential election of 1960: Differing approach to TV campaign Ads

Kennedy: favored short ads and hitchhike ads -capitalized on youthful photogenic Kennedy family -emphasis on cheerful, optimistic blend of image and subtance Nixon: -preferred 30 min primtime specials packed with detailed policy information -ads focused on substance over image

1960 Tv preferred choice of Americans for news; newspapers second place and radio a distant third

Major forces for this change: Presidential Election of 1952 and TV coverage of McCarthy Hearings

Walter Cronkit

became most watched and trusted newsman -vietnam segment, said the only way out of the war was not as victors but negotiation -first newsman to declare a war over

Broadcast network programming strategies of the 1980s: offering what the competition could not

NBC, ABC, and CBS focus on the advantages they still hold over upstarts like FOX and HBO -Primarily: money, established relationships with top creatives/programming sources, largest existing (and potential) audience -NBC, ABC, and CBS throw massive amounts of $ behind creating ( & promoting) big-budget programming with high production values and high-profile creatives (Steven Bocho, DAvid Lynch, Casey-Werner, etc.) -Where Fox/Cable offer "Edgy" but cheap programming (like The Tracy Ulman Show & Candid Candid Camera(, the networks offer creatively risky (but expensive, pedigreed and "classy") fare like Hillstreet Blues and Twin Peaks -Not enough for network TV to simply exist anymore-- forced to appear high quality and worth watching -NBC, ABC, and CBs, also double-down on what the networks do best: event programming (mini-series, made-for-tv movies, the emmys, the oscars etc), glamorous programming with tried-and-true formulas and wide, mainstreem audience appeal (night time soaps (like dynasty or la law, family sitcoms with big stars like the cosby show or whos the boss)

Broadcast Network Programming Strategies: Aping Competitors Prgrams

NBC, CBS, and ABC also attempt to compete by copying their competitors successful programming ex: in answer to Fox's crass, cynical family sitcoms like Married with Children and The Simpsons, ABC creates Roaseanne -In answer to Fox and MTV's focus on teens and music videos, NBC debuts FRiday Night Videos and CBS debuts Square PEgs -In answer to BETs focus on African-American culture, all 3 networks begin airing syndicated Showtime at the Apollo in different markets

first made-for-tv movie

SEe how they run- abc

Norman Lear

Tandem productions -CBS came up with Archie bunker character (all in the family) -emerged as the imost influential producer of the 1970s -creating 20 more programs throughout the course of the 70s: -good times, the jeffersons, one day at a time, -only one else to appraoch this success was MTM enterprises

Controversey surrounding Nixon

Watergate (1972) -unfolding series of events that began when 5 burglars were arrested after breaking into the democratic national committee offices at watergate complex in washington and ended with resignation of Richard Nixon 0NBC ABC CBS rotated coverage, total of 300 hours -ilegal cover up had taken place and not only were the presidents men involved btu richard nixon himself -impeachment was brought up, Nixon Resigned

CBS major changes: beverly hillbillies to all in teh family

all in the family showed the content innovations that had already been made on prime-time -frist continuing series to tackle vietnam, racism, womens rights, homosexuality, impotenence, menopause, rape, alcholic, etc. -benefited from close proximity to All in the FAmily and MASH

tv mirrored segregated nature of american society in general throughout 1950s

african americans were rarely seen on small screen until 1960s mostly relegated to banana status or uncommonly short runs -first breakthrough came in 1963 on CBS east side/west side, recurring supporting role as young black social worker

video stores

blank/recordable video cassettes and cassettes with pre-recorded content available for purchase and mail-order rental by consumers from 1972 onward -1977: first US video rental store -1985: 15,000 video rental stores in the US -plus libraries, grocery stores, and pharmacies also renting

VHS

cassettes can only be used in VHS-compatible VCRs -lower quality image & audio; non-exclusive technology, license to many manufacturers

Betamax

cassettes can only be used in betamax-compatible VCRs -leads to "format war" in 1970s -also leads to delayed adoption of this technology by many Americans -superior quality image and audio; tech exlcusive to sony`

shift from monoculture to niche culture

changes to TV mirror larger shifts in US media landscape and American culture from end of 20th century and into the 21st

programming in the 1970s: PBS-- Arts & culture programming

concentrated effort to make "high" culture available to all americans as well as to showcase local culture and expose viewers to culture from other regions of the country and world -LOTS of imported programming from the BBC (masterpiece theatre, monty pythons flying circus) -symphonies, concerts, operas, & plays (evening at pops, austin city limits) -arts-focused documentaries and adaptions of classical american literature (that's entertainment) -broadcasts of silent cinema, foreign cinema, and experimental/avant garde cinema

The Mini-series

continuous story told over the course of a set number of episodes -typically broadcast on consecutive nights during primetime hours -often adaptions of best-selling books or epic treatments of major historical events -big budgets, big stars, and LOTS of publicity -continued socially-conscious trend with focus on controversial and tragic subjects ex: Roots

birth of cable industry 1972

debut of the home box office channel (HBO) first pay-cable network -creating of national satellite distribution system, allows transmission of broadcast signals nation-wide (and later internationally) -debut of TBS (turner broadcasting system) nation-wide satellite broadcast of local atlanta station, first "superstation" -cable remains niche industry throughout 1970s but groundwork laid for cable/satellite explosion in 1980s/90s

tv trends of 1960s

disguised current events in usual assortment of familiar and comforting formulas -even far-out fantasies at times, before inching its way toward relevancy by end of decage -slow to cover civil rights movement and vietnam war and space race

dominance of LOP strategy across all 3 networks makes: ___ default mode of 1960s

escapist, conservative programming -coincides with: socio-cultural upheaval, baby boomers coming of age, constant mass media presence in American homes/life

consensus narrative

ex: beverly hillbillies "a pitched battle was fought in each episode between teh homespun , right minded, (country) values of the clmpetts, and a cutthroat money ruled technocracy represented by the city people (used to revive situation comedy) *at the center of the life of their culture and are in consequence almost always deeply conservative in their formal structures and their content *desire to speak for the entire culture attempted to old an increasingly divided country together at a difficult time

The Mary Tyler Moor Show

featured independent 30-something career woman, Mary RIchard (Mary Tyler Moore) along wtih a alrge ensemble of professional colleagues and friends led by her curmudgeonly though caring boss Lou Grant and her closes confidante Rhoda Morgenstern -not first show to demonstrate family-oriented atmosphere in workplace -innovating story arcs that carried over from episode to epsiode

1952 republican convention in chicago

first at which tv news possessed teh technical resources and attracted a large enough audience to have a significant political impact -intro of zoom lenses and handheld cameras gave the coverage much greater range and mobility -taft came across as testy and defensive, presence of TV cameras was undermining a candidaets support- first evidence the medium was transforming the nominating process

Broadcast Network Programming Strategies of 1980s: Differentiating the "brand"

for the first time since the 1950s, NBC, CBS, and ABC switch from copying each other's programming (ex. LOP strategy, After School Specials) to esatblishing unique "brand" identities -followed branding practices of niche-focused cable networks -exacerbated by FOX debut in 1986 with very distinct netowrk identity (young,urban, hip, crass, edgy)

MTM Enterprises

independently owned production company formed in 19970 by Grant Tinker and his then wife Mary Tyler Moore -produce mary tyler moore show: took the character driven situation comedy to a whole new level or e motional depth and sophistication MTM produced a handful of other programs for CBS including 2 mary tyler more spins offs; Rhoa and Phyllis, Bob Newhart Show, -best captured the yuppie zeitgeist (professional-sector jobs, solidly middle calcss to upper class, and were growing increasingly materialistic) -"a writers company" -business of exchanging "quality tv" for "quality demographics"

programming in the 1970s: PBS-- childrens programming

key favor in govt. decsion to creat CPB/PBS in first place- way to bring pre-school to all american children -designed in collab with educators, child psychologists, and dept. of education to engage, educate, and support children via entertainment free commercial interests -programming initally focused on pre-school age audiences (Sesame street, mister rogers' neighborhood) -expanded by mid 1970s to include programming for school-age children as well (3-2-1- contact, Zoom!)

1960s news-oriented talk shows

laegely one-on-one or panel discussion-style with civic-minded debate, discussion, and interviews about topical social issues -also became a staple of local prograaming (Ex. chicago tonight)

handheld cameras (1950s-1960s)

lightweight, porrtable, movie cameras capable of recording both images and sound -usually recording on high-speed 16 mm black and white film -later capacity for color film, video recording and eventually digital video recordin -initially embraced by independent, experimental and documentary filmmakers; popularity spread to TV productions in 1960s **what types of TV programming did this have a major impact on)

Illusion of Choice- in terms of Tv/cable

lots of new channels, but almost all are subsidiaries of same handful of corporate entities (many of whom also own the cable service providers, terrestrial broadcast networks and other media entities like radio/film/publishing companies)

B-Pictures

low budget/genre:horror, westerns, scifi, etc.

PBS funding

majority of funding for PBS programming comes from private donations (corporate donors, charitable foundations and individuals) not tax dollars -federal funds predom. support: broadcasting costs of individual member stations pbs programming distribution operations

CNN Cable NEtwork News

most important innovation in cable TV during the final quarter of 20th century ted turner CNN nonstop live coverage of outbreak in persoian gulf war Cable Era- signaled arrival of cable television

changing practices for broadcasting hollywood films on american tv 1980s

new competition makes licensing films for TV far less of a draw -VCRS and VHS home renta movies -subscription cable stations (like HBO) popularized largely through offering viewers recently-release cinema in home for monthly fee -combination of VCRS & HBO/cinemax/ showtime fills

1960s programming developments: changes to the news

nightly news broadcast become longer and more frequent (5 pm and 10 pm, and morning new etc.) and feature elaborate segments, not just recitation of headlines -segments include: in depth investigation pieces (often multipart or ongoing), interviews, expert analysis, and field correspondents filing reports/updates/footage/interviews from major events and far-flung locations -tech advancements + color add sense of immediacy/reality to news than ever previously achieved

hitchhike ads

paid political ads that "hitchhike" on the last 5 minutes of a popular show, gathered large audience *used by Eisenhower

Network ERa

period during which US TV was largely controlled by the 3 powerful networks: NBC, CBS, and ABC (mid 1950s-late 1980s) (dissolution of Dumont network to Cable/Satellite takeover) heydey: 1965-1975 (only competition local station programming to rising competition from syndicated programming, PBS, and nascent cable industry)

BRandon Stoddard

pres of ABC, turned lowest brow schedule to primetimes newest quality lineup by assembling in house stable of creatiave producers -roseanne and thirtsysomething were yin and yang

throughout 1960s tv was kind of a:

psychological refuge, a fortress *presented the america (they) wanted and believed in and had labored to be part of -invited and drew them into its charmed life *people of color and counterculture types hardly ever appeared on the literally dozens or prime time situation that were on the air

narrowcasting

strategies popularized by fox and cable stations in the 1980s usurp the netwroks' traditional strategies for developing programming and finding/attracting the broadest audiences possible -> shift from 'broadcasting' model to 'narrowcasting' model becomes more entrenched throughout 1990s, 200s, and 2010s as cable, satellite and internet streaming services continue to expand competition --> network era of US tv (and the business/programming strategies employed since teh 1940s) wither out by mid-1990s

Nielson Ratings

system of measuring the viewership of TV programs -measures audience size (# of viewers) -measures demographics (type/location of viewers) -measure audience share ( % of all viewers watching TV at a given time tuning in to a given program) -does not measure ENTIRE audience actually viewing, but selected groups of viewers from various locations/demographics designed to present a representative statistical model of the whole (nielson families) -administered by private marketing firm NOT networks themselves -began measuring TV audience in 1950, still used today

horror hosts 1957

universal joins flood of hollywood studios licensing older films to TV -sells 1930s horror films (like dracula and frankenstein) to local stations as a package called "shock" -package materal advises stations to broadcast these films with a horror host (modeled after vampira) -variety Shock Theater shows & hosts appear on TV stations across teh country -bizarre tradition continues

Videotape(1950s-1960s)

using magnetic tape to record and store visual and audio info -began use in TV studios in late 1950s -advantages for TV programming? advantages over existing recording methods (film and kinescopes??)