Final answer:
Television originated in the late 1940s and quickly gained popularity in the 1950s, reaching 55% of American homes by the 1960s and 90% by 1960. Diffusion occurred through the establishment of local affiliates and the development of cable networks utilizing satellite broadcasts. Distribution followed a similar pattern to diffusion, with dominance by major networks and the emergence of public television as an alternative.
Step-by-step explanation:
Television originated in the late 1940s and quickly gained popularity in the 1950s. The development of microwave relays in the 1950s allowed television to expand its reach across the country. By the 1960s, television was in 55% of American homes and by 1960, it reached 90% of American households.
Television diffusion occurred through the establishment of local affiliates by the major networks and the development of cable networks utilizing satellite broadcasts. Cable television disrupted the monopoly of the major networks in the 1980s and allowed for the creation of specialized channels targeting specific audiences.
The distribution of television in the United States followed a similar pattern to its diffusion. By the 1970s, three major networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) dominated U.S. television. Public television, such as PBS, BBC, and CBC, offered an alternative with high-quality programming. Today, television is distributed through various platforms including cable, satellite, and internet streaming.