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”

 “Huckleberry Hound” most viewers adults  “The Flintstones” (1960)  “The Simpsons” (1990)  Children’s cartoons on Saturday mornings “The Roadrunner Show”

 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