The Time Tunnel

   It has been 50 years since Newton Minnow,
one time Chairman of the Federal Communications
Commission, spoke before a convention of the
National Association of Broadcasters and
described commercial television as "A vast
Wasteland!"
   He described the programs as being
too violent, filled with comedies featuring
unbelievable families, and an endless
procession of game shows.
   He spoke of commercials many of which
were "screaming, cajoling, and offending."
   I don't profess to remember many of the
commercials that were on the air about
that time.
   But programs on the air back then included
"The Donna Reed Show, Bonanza, Leave
It To Beaver, The Twilight Zone, Truth
Or Consequences, and The Lawrence
Welk Show."
   There were plenty of 'Game' and
'Detective' shows too.
    Minnow called for more programming
"In the Public Interest."
    I remember Mr. Newton's name and
his "Vast Wasteland" comments. I was
just getting into broadcasting about that
time.
   So....how have things changed?
   I don't know,off hand, who heads the
FCC right now.
   But I'm wondering what Mr. Minnow
would have to say about the programs
and commercials we see these days?
   I'm surfing the channels as I write.
   Two spots for weight reducing
products, a commercial for car
insurance in which one vehicle smashes
into two others, and one promotion
for a...................... Bob Dylan concert!
  WOW! He's been preforming since
Newton gave his speech!
   As for the programs...I'd love to
see his face as he watched promos
for "Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune,
Ghost Finders, and Two and a Half
Men."
   Looks like the game shows and
'unbelieveable family' programs have
either made a comeback...or never
left.
   You don't have to look hard to
find the 'shoot em up shows.'
    But when it comes to TV
violence you'd have to wonder how
the shows from 1961 compare to
AMC's WWE wrestling offerings
or Spike TV's "Ultimate Fighting Cage
Matches. "
    As for programs "in the public
interest"..... I'll bet he can't wait to see
the premier of "Whisker Wars!"
    That one is bound to become a
classic!
    Seems  "The Vast Wasteland"
is alive and......well?
    Hope you're enjoying television
and that all your NEWS is 'in the
public interest' and good!