Research Project Presentation

Since the advent of
television in the 1940s,
television has influenced
changes to America
politically, culturally,
economically, and
socially.
Three television networks
•CBS – NBC – ABC
•Remained top stations throughout the century
Few independent stations in larger cities
•Played mostly reruns
PBS created 1967
•Public instead of commercial
•Sesame Street aired on PBS 1969
Cable TV
•Potentially hundreds of channels
Up until late 1960s, traditional,
respectful family was portrayed
“Brady Bunch” (1969) was scandalous for its time
“All In The Family” was even more disgraceful
•Birth control, abortion, cancer, and criticism about
the government
Ethnic diversity attempted in 1970s sitcoms
•Often turned out being offensive
Most popular during 1960s
and 1970s
Included musical
performances and sketch
comedy
“The Sonny and
Cher Comedy Hour”
“The Carol
Burnett Show”
“The Tonight
Show”
Children’s cartoons on Saturday mornings
“The Roadrunner Show”
“Huckleberry Hound”
most viewers adults
“The Flintstones”
(1960)
“The Simpsons” (1990)
15 minute newscasts on either NBC or CBS
Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
•24/7 Coverage for 4 days
•All of America grieving and connected
The first steps of Neil A. Armstrong on
the moon
•Footage sent directly from moon
•Americans saw 1.3 seconds later on the news
Drought in Ethiopia (1984)
•Newspaper stories with no reaction
•Footage shown on NBC – huge reaction from people
Murder trial of O.J. Simpson in 1995
1960 campaign for presidency between Kennedy and Nixon
•First televised debate
•TV viewers thought Kennedy won –
Radio thought Nixon won
 Image important in politics
The Arsenio Hall Show
Americans saw candidates on talk shows
•Bill Clinton vs. George Bush
Candidates specialized advertisements to the region it
would be played
Ads a part of script in the show
Would sing slogan, or use product and describe its
great qualities
Actors/characters became synonymous with the
product they promoted
•Fred Flintstone and Winston
Censorship
•Ex: cereal sponsor says kids
can’t refuse to eat cereal in show
Police beating black man caught on home camera (1991)
Tape sold to news station
Police violence toward minorities a hot topic in the U.S.
Many Americans then bought cameras to recorded news
events and expose wrongdoings
Average people now had some power with the television
Keeps Americans connected and informed with
country and world events
Turned into big business
Contributes to obese America