Television: An International History / Edition 2

by Richard Paterson

Overview

This is a substantially revised and expanded new edition of the first major history of our most influential cultural phenomenon. Readers will find an invaluable resource that covers the whole expanse of the medium, from Africa to Australia, from Burbank to Bangkok, covering news, sports, drama, comedy, and more. Written by a distinguished team of specialists, Television describes the history of T.V. from its technical conception in the nineteenth century right through the bewildering multimedia developments of the present. Alongside this historical account, chapters provide an important discussion of the central debates affecting television worldwide, from technological developments to programming (how it differs around the world, and how it has evolved over the years), and from television's impact on society (including questions of violence and social standards) to television's relationship to terrorism. This second edition (with six completely new chapters) includes expanded coverage of television in India and China, the Arab World, Latin America, Canada, and Northern Europe. Vividly illustrated and accessibly written, Television is a major exploration of the world's most dominant and defining medium. It will intrigue anyone interested in its early beginnings, its impact on our society, and its not-so-distant future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198159285
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	09/24/1998
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Anthony Smith worked as a producer at the BBC from 1960-1971 and was Director of the British Film Institute from 1979-1988. He has been President of Magdalen College, Oxford, since 1988.
Richard Paterson is Head of Media, Education, and Research at the British Film Institute in London.

Table of Contents

Introduction, Anthony Smith
PART 1. ORIGINS AND INSTITUTIONS
1. The Invention of Television, Albert Abrahamson
2. The Beginnings of American Television, William Boddy
3. Television as a Public Service Medium, Anthony Smith
PART 2. FORMS AND GENRES
4. Drama and Entertainment, Richard Paterson
5. Non-Fiction Television, William Boddy
6. Sport, Steven Barnett
7. Political Ceremony and Instant History, Daniel Dayan and Elihu Katz
PART 3. TELEVISION AND SOCIETY
8. Television in the Home and Family, Susan Briggs
9. Taste, Decency, and Standards, Colin Shaw
10. Terrorism, Philip Schlesinger
PART 4
11. The American Networks, Les Brown
12. Canada, Marc Raboy
13. Japan, Hidetoshi Kato
14. The Arab World, Douglas Boyd
15. The Third World, Dietrich Berwanger
16. South Asia, Pradip N. Thomas
17. Australia, Elizabeth Jacka and Leley Johnson
18. Scandinavia, Netherlands, Belgium, Trine Syvertsen and Eli Skogerb
19. Africa, Charles Okigbo
20. China, Zhao Bin
21. Latin America, Sylvio Waisband
Epilogue: The Future, Richard Paterson and Anthony Smith
Further Reading
Television Museums and Archives

Editorial Reviews

"Serious observers of the sociology of television will appreciate the breadth and depth of this history.... Intriguing issues are raised, particularly concerning the influence of this medium on contemporary society and vice versa."—Library Journal

"What a terrific assembly of contributors....An important addition to documenting the global story of television in a single volume."—Journalism History

From the Publisher

In this collection of 12 essays, we learn that the word ``television'' was used for the first time at the 1900 Paris Exhibition. The first demonstration of TV was conducted in 1909. And although in the U.S. the medium was ready to go commercial in 1939, the advent of WWII delayed its debut until 1947; even then, only 60,000 sets had been sold here. But by the early 1950s, with the help of such shows as I Love Lucy and Dragnet, TV had become a part of American home life. In other areas of the world, Charles de Gaulle became the first politician to use TV to his personal advantage; and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was the kickstart for British TV viewing. The chapter titled ``Non-Fiction Television'' gives us a political blow-by-blow from Senator Joe McCarthy through the Watergate hearings; ``Television in the Home and Family'' examines the sociological effects of TV on family life; and another essay looks into the perpetual debates about ``Taste, Decency, and Standards.'' We also see examples of Soviet TV propaganda: Your Leninist Library; and how the 1964 Tokyo Olympics ushered in the age of color TV in Japan. Smith, a former BBC producer, has edited an academic, and sometimes dry, look at a vital medium. Photos. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Serious observers of the sociology of television will appreciate the breadth and depth of this history. It contains articles by various specalists and is grouped into several thematic sections: the invention, marketing, and early uses of TV; specific forms and genres (entertainment, sports, news/talk, political events, etc.); TV and society (addressing everything from the family to terrorism); and, finally, international TV. Intriguing issues are raised, particularly concerning the influence of this medium on contemporary society and vice versa. Other topics include government regulations, censorship, and the mechanics of the industry, to name a few. Each perspective is closely analyzed, and points are supported with historical details, technical data, and thoughtful conclusions. For academic libraries and public libraries with large media collections.-Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, N.J.

Library Journal