Final answer:
The early TV Quiz Show Era was characterized by scandals and unmatched ethical expectations, particularly due to the rigging of game shows like 'The $64,000 Question', making the statement false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Quiz Show Era of early TV was known for setting a tone of honesty and high ethical standards is false. This era was actually marked by scandal, particularly involving the rigging of game shows. One of the most famous scandals involved the quiz show 'The $64,000 Question' which, along with others, was found to have been manipulated by producers to control the outcome and keep audiences engaged. The revelations around these dishonest practices led to a significant loss of public trust and changes in the industry, and strongly conflicted with the image of sincerity and ethical integrity that many associated with television during its early years.
Furthermore, early television set the stage for significant events in American politics, where appearances and televised presentations could influence public perceptions, as demonstrated by the famous televised debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, where Nixon's on-camera sweating during the debate negatively impacted viewers' trust in him despite his performance on policy discussions. The early days of television also saw moments where politicians, such as Richard Nixon with his 'Checkers speech,' used the medium to address scandals and shape their public image.