Articles: The Television Industry
The television industry can be an exciting place. It can also be stupefying and confusing. These articles cover topics such as writers’ strikes, the role of TV Guide over the years, the growth of color television and more.
A Brief History of Television Writers: 1949-1979
Originally Published November 5th, 2007
An in-depth look at the eternal battle between television writers and producers for better recognition and compensation, starting with the birth of broadcast television in the late 1940s.
Broadcast Twice a Week (or More)
Originally Published June 11th, 2009
For a brief period in the mid-1960s it was all the rage to broadcast television shows more than once a week.
The Color Revolution: Television In The Sixties
Originally Published February 15th, 2005
The big switch to color didn’t happen overnight, but in September of 1965 it was well underway.
Early Networks and the East-Midwest Connection
Originally Published November 12th, 2009
A look at early regional networks in the East and Midwest and the January 11th, 1949 connection between the two regions.
History of the Fall Preview Special
Originally Published March 21st, 2004
See how the network’s have promoted and previewed their new fall line-ups over the decades.
Nielsen “Black Weeks”
Originally Published February 9th, 2009
For decades, there were four weeks each year when there were no Nielsen ratings and the networks could take a break. Learn more about these “black weeks.”
Outtakes, Bloopers & Goofs
Originally Published February 1st, 2004
These hilarious mistakes have been a staple of television from the very start, but really came into their own in the 1980s. PROFANITY WARNING.
Programs Cancelled Before They Premiered
Originally Published April 14th, 2009
In a handful of extraordinary cases, networks have canceled shows prior to debuting them, leaving episodes unaired. Read about Snip, Mister Dugan, The Dictator and more.
Telemeter: Coin-Operated Television
Originally Published April 26th, 2006
The Telemeter system was an intriguing pay television concept involving coins that never caught on.
Television Programs in 1941
Originally Published November 19th, 2008
Commercial broadcast television began in the United States on July 2nd, 1941. Read about some of the programs viewers in New York City watched during those first month.
TV Guide Promotional Spots
Originally Published August 20th, 2003
Once an industry standard, TV Guide has fallen out of favor during the past decade. Relive its glory days with vintage promotional spots.
Unsold Pilots on Television, 1956-1966
Originally Published May 21st, 2009
Read about eleven unsold pilot programs broadcast by the networks as summer replacement series in an attempt to offset the costs of producing test episodes for potential television shows.
Unsold Pilots on Television, 1967-1989
Originally Published July 23rd, 2009
Unsold pilot programs became less common during the 1970s and 1980s but there were still a handful. Read about a another nine such programs broadcast between 1967 and 1989.
Last Updated November 12th, 2009