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.

Week 7: I Have A Dream

On August 28, 1963, an estimated 250,000 people marched to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington where they heard Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his, "I Have A Dream" speach. It was almost the largest peaceful protest in American history. This event changed America forever, and it was also broadcasted live all across the nation thanks to television networks. Television really brought Martin Luther King Jr's message to every home in America. Without this capability I believe it would have taken many more years before such heightened awareness would have allowed for such a desperately needed change for race equality.

Week 6: Ernie Kovac

Ernie Kovac was the first person to push television to a new level. He experiemented with objects and sounds rather than people and dialogue. Ernie played with camera angle, and attempted special effects never seen before. He died in a car accident and is also inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Week 5: TV & McCarthyism

This week I chose to talk about Joseph McCarthy and his effects on television. He was responsible for creating quite a stir amongst the television industry by accusing high profile celebrities with being members of the Communist Party. Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy comes particularly to mind. She was later relieved of this accusation. Finally he was shut down by the bravery of one man whom decided to stand up against his false accusations.

Week 4: Image from 1940's television.

I chose this picture after watching I love Lucy, Amos n' Andy, and the Honeymooners. I felt that the women in the 1940's demanded to be heard all across America. They were just as pushy as the men and it was okay for them to talk back. This picture reminds me of those women because it represents strength.

Week 3: What I'vd Learned So Far

What was interesting and was new information to me was that after the war in the
1940's, the newly freed up assembly lines began manufacturing television sets. Something I found surprising was that people had been saving up from the war and began to spend their savings on tv sets. I didn't think anyone had much money during the war. Even back then companies were struggling with the fast pace of technology advancing itself. The television industry is constantly advancing and companies are racing to keep up.

Week 2: Old TV vs New TV

The shows I chose to watch this week were Threes Company and Friends. One immediate difference I noticed was the clothing style. On Threes Company everyone was wearing tight bell bottoms. Their walls were also covered in wood paneling. The show had a comedy feel to it, but the jokes seemed to always have sexual references. New age shows tend to be more dramatic than just sexual. Clothing styles and home decor have changed.