TV: The Big Picture

This is a comprehensive analysis of the most powerful mass medium devised by man. Its more statistics are startling: nearly 88% of American households have TV sets, we are told, and they are in operation on an average of five hours a day. Historically Television dates back to the 19th century although 1948 is the year of its actual birth. After describing the various early forms of TV and its initial shows -- Howdy Doody, Meet the the author explains the creation of the large networks, the development of program material and the structural composition of those who make up the TV world, from producer to usher. Although TV modeled itself on radio it soon developed its own character with its own problems. In turn it changed the nature of all the other mass media. It now far outstrips all other forms of communication and has become the home of big business. This is an interesting, sober evaluation of a constantly changing world.