Thoughts on the Television..Then and Now

The ‘Communications in History’ reading made me think about how technology transitions! The television has probably impacted our society the most out of all the other forms of media that have come up over time (I don’t consider the Internet to be a form of media, but a culmination of all). I would like to think about this in two ways. One, the transition process, and the other being the implications it has today.

So, the television went through a series of revelations. Not just in the equipment and devices space, but its impact on the society as a whole. Initially, it was set up as a source of providing information and essential broadcasting. In the post WWII era, the television enjoyed major popularity and it was only time before it became an essential part of our society. The primary purpose of television was widely understood to provide news reporting to inform people about what was going on. This did not eat into the Print Media’s share, but incorporated it in its scope. Historically, many speeches that were given, were being aired on TV (MLK, Jr. etc) to address a larger population. This was in addition to the speeches being published in the daily newspapers etc. There seemed to be an interesting role play between print media and television. News readers were regarded as gurus in the fields of reporting and the content was treated as final authority(then). Movies like, ‘Good Night and Good Luck!’ give us an insight into what the so called ‘battles’ were like between News & media journalists (Edward Murrow) and politicians (Joe McCarthy). This was also a result of the TV along with the Radio being the only electronic source of information present. Access to information, was limited. The avenues were scarce. The sources were restricted.

Now, think of today’s day and age. Would Edward Murrow enjoy the same amount of popularity on CNN in 2007? Lou Dobbs certainly doesn’t. The television has transitioned our society. And this impact, transcends politics. I mean I too enjoy reading about the history of the television, but I’m more interested in knowing what the implications are. And, the implications today are vast. The TV plays a heavy role in people deciding their political preference. Democrats and Republicans use the TV as their primary tool. War on Iraq seems even worse when Anderson Cooper goes to Iraq and shows us real footage of our war heroes and what they’re going through. Obama seems more appealing when we watch his rallies in southern Illinois on TV and hear the loud cheers he gets. The Presidential Debate, perhaps the most important debate in the deciding who will lead the most powerful nation in the world are showcased to the entire world LIVE on TV!

So, is the TV a mere source of information now? I think it’s become a major part of our culture, society and life. And it’s worth everyone’s while to sit back and think about this entire transition to better understand how technology has pierced every form of though and information.