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Explore the consequences of the programming freeze and the 1952 Allocation Plan on early 1950s TV landscape. Learn about VHF/UHF intermixture, the rise of NBC and CBS, struggles of independent stations, Coaxial Cable, and early programming varieties. Delve into live drama, sports, TV minstrelsy, and striking diversity in characters. Discover the theatrical aesthetic and discuss the transition from radio.
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“Frozen Television” Early 1950s Programming
Early 1950s TV Landscape • Consequences of the Freeze and the 1952 Allocation Plan • VHF/UHF Intermixture • Older channels had advantages • NBC and CBS a virtual duopoly in 1950s • Independent non-affiliated stations struggle • ABC and DuMont lack strong affiliates due to intermixture
Early 1950s TV Landscape Cont’d • Coaxial Cable • No viable commercial videotape until 1956 • AT&T (Bell System) stringing coaxial cable across the country • Freeze worked to protect networks from competition
Early 1950s Programming • Variety and variety comedy • Live Drama • Clip from Bang the Drum Slowly • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWVK-mJAElk • Discuss theatrical aesthetic and “quality”
Early 1950s Programming Cont’d • Sport • Boxing (stays) • Wrestling (goes) • Roller Derby (goes) • Resurgence? Or Fad? • Filmed Hollywood product • First run product • Recycled Hollywood serials and series
Early 1950s Programming Cont’d • TV minstrelsy • Transition from Radio • Beulah (ABC, 1950-53) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO28pJLY56o • The Amos ‘n’ Andy Show (CBS, 1951-53) • Protests and Sponsor Problems
Early 1950s Programming Cont’d • Striking diversity in terms of racial and ethnic characters. • Clip from Life with Luigi • http://en.sevenload.com/shows/Classic-TV/episodes/XYymJQm-Life-with-Luigi-The-Dance-1953 • Stations/sets were in urban areas • Thematics of assimilation and proper consumerism