Week 8 - Negative Television

In 1959 Charles Van Doren, a game show contestant, testified that he had accepted bribes from networks to go along with their quiz show scandals. For instance, he was told he would tie a quiz show champion instead of beat him because it would bring in better ratings. He also testified that prior to the quiz shows, that he would go over the answers with the producer. He was asked to hesitate when giving answers because it would build up suspense for the viewers. These quiz scandals became public at a time when America's trust worthiness was being questioned by other nations such as China. This unfortunate event made America appear corrupt.