Overview

Innovations in technology have made televisions cheaper, smaller, and more numerous than anyone could have imagined, and their technological contributions have extended human vision and hearing beyond the limits of distance. This compelling volume dives deep into the technology that made television the dominant means of accessing entertainment and information, and explores in great detail the personalities responsible for this advancement. Relevant topics covered in edition include: the early development of television, building a national audience for television programs, the effects of television on society, the dawn of the cable era and specialized programing for everyone, and the future of television.

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9781420501629

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Reviews

Review: The History of Television This volume in Lucent's World History series explores the export of American culture through the medium of television, and its effect on everything from the information available to the electorate to the decisions of consumers. It opens with a timeline of important dates in the history of television over the last century, tracing the origination of that term to a Russian physicist in Paris 21 years before Philo T. Farnsworth began his electronic experiments. The book provides credible information for students researching specific topics, such as soap operas, game shows, children programs, Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, Friends, TV Guide and even TV dinners. The book also includes up-to-date passages on the technology. Text in each chapter is dense, but relieved with evocative, high-quality illustrations. The volume gives particular emphasis to the role of television programming in shaping global societal values; by 1958, exported American television shows were reaching 26 nations. The volume also provides a critical examination of the relationship of network television and advertising sponsorship, which Nardo suggests makes programming especially vulnerable to corporate interests. Trivia included throughout is fascinating. Citations throughout are linked to source material through endnotes. Resource lists offer books and websites with more information on the topic, and there is a comprehensive topic index. Recommended for school and public libraries.--Reference Unbound, April 2010

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