During this session we will discuss the massive changes that took place in television during this twenty-year period. We will look at clips of shows demonstrating the changes that we will discuss. The subject matter of many television shows “pushed the envelope” of what could be shown on network television. Shows such as “All In the Family” tackled the issue of race in American society; more blacks appeared in network television series. Cable television also revolutionized American television: HBO expanded the nature of television programming; MTV provided a musical background for young Americans and CNN began the 24 hours a day news cycle. Television was very different in 1990 that it had been in 1970: we will also discuss how these changes reflected changes in American society as a whole.
Mr. Stephen Armstrong, Professor of History