Question

Television changed the culture of the United States and later the world. Americans began buying televisions in the 1950s, and by the end of the decade, 90% of families owned one.

In the early 1960s Newton Minow served as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Later, he was chairman of the board of PBS. He once described television as a “vast wasteland.” He also said, “When television is good, nothing is better. When it's bad, nothing is worse.”

Reflect on this idea as you describe the changes television brought to America during the 1950s, how TV influenced society, and the implications TV would have for the future.

Answer 1

Television's growth in the 1950s had a transformative impact on American society, reinforcing social norms and values, with nearly universal adoption by the late 1960s. It reshaped the landscape of media consumption and advertisement, and while it offered educational and unifying content, it also presented challenges as highlighted by Newton Minow's critique.

Step-by-step explanation:

The transformation of American society by television in the 1950s was significant. As television ownership rapidly increased, from 55% by 1954 to 90% by 1960, its impact on cultural, social, and political norms became profound. Television served as a powerful socializing tool, reinforcing social norms, values, and beliefs by providing reference groups and a common source of information and entertainment.

As a medium combining the attributes of radio and imagery, television brought a new immediacy to news reporting, showcased by the enhanced coverage of World War II events. By the late 1960s, the presence of television in nearly every American home led to shared family viewing experiences, and it became a significant influence on consumer culture through advertisements and specialized programming.

The implications of television for the future were vast. By the 1980s and 1990s, specialized cable channels and the advent of satellite broadcasts shifted the way audiences consumed media, targeting specific consumer groups and further influencing societal trends. Newton Minow's statement about television being a "vast wasteland" reflects the dual nature of television's impact - while it could educate and unify, it also had the potential to become an overwhelming source of less enriching content.

Answer 2

The TV had a huge impact on American society during the 50s. The major reason was that the Republican and Democratic conventions were broadcasted live from Philadelphia to the rest of the country. This increased the importance of TV in society. Now rural America was not isolated anymore, they were a part of society.

Then national tv shows got famous, news, sports, and events were broadcasted. Television allowed America to become one and regional cultural differences were reduced and a general American culture became famous and united the country. People from rural America feel like migrating to another area.

This way TV can be seen as the major point that changed American culture and society.

Step-by-step explanation: