Dr. Janet McMullen  Fall 2002  MWF 9:00

Updated: 09/23/02  

NOTE:   The annual UNA Convocation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25th, so we will not have class on that day. Further, Dr. Mc will be at a conference on Friday.  Be sure you have finished reading Ch. 11, 12, 13 by Monday.  At the present time, we do not anticipate the need for a study session.  EXAM will be FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4th.

Read and study these essays. One will be chosen as a required essay, one or two others will be given as optional essays. The best way to study is to write a thorough essay for each one, then reduce that to an outline and MEMORIZE the outline. I expect thorough, well-written, thoughtful, and specific essays. I do not expect to require hip boots to read them.

The following are in no particular order of importance or preference:

1. What was the "Sixth Report and Order?" Discuss why it was necessary, who was involved, and what the results were. Be sure to discuss the background which led to the document and regulation. (See your books for this one, we didn't go very deeply into it in class.)

2. Discuss the Press Radio Wars. What were the issues which led to the conflict and who was involved? How was the situation finally resolved?

3. Why was "War of the Worlds" the most significant radio production to date? What specific things about its content and audience made it effective? How did it change radio?

4. Compare and contrast the personalities and contributions of Lee DeForest, Edwin Armstrong and David Sarnoff. Why do you believe made the most lasting contribution and why? What can we learn from them?

5. Discuss the competition between the radio group and the telephone group. What individuals and companies were aligned with each group? How did their vision of broadcasting differ, and how was the conflict finally resolved?

6. Discuss the development of broadcast news. What obstacles were in the way? Who were the leaders of its development and what were their contributions? How did it function in World War II and how did the war affect the news industry?

7. Discuss Black Listing. How and why did it begin? What role did the entertainment industry play in it and how was it impacted by the "red scare?" Who were the major players? When did it end? What do you think are the applications of this episode of broadcast history to the decisions you may have to make one day in this field?

8. Discuss the development of cable television. What were the reactions of early broadcasters? How and why did that change? ( Please read your chapter carefully for this one; we have not had time to discuss it as thoroughly as I would like.)

9. Discuss the events which led to the enactment of the Communications Act of 1934. Why was it necessary? Who wanted it? How was it different than previous legislation/ regulations and why was that important?

10. Compare and contrast the ethical and regulatory concerns in the developmental years of radio and the developmental years of television. What problems were similar? Different? How were they resolved?

11.  What current the current issues associated with adoption of DTV?  What are the advantages and disadvantages for consumers?  What are the advantages and disadvantages for broadcasters?

CHECK THE 316 WEB SITE FOR A LIST OF KEY WORDS and for notes on the development of radio and television, cable and other new technologies.  Also be sure you check BROADCASTING AND CABLE for information about DTV deadlines and what problems have been associated with its adoption.  You can find those articles at http://www.tvinsite.com 

Remember, there may also be a "bear" essay for extra credit!

Copyright, 2002

Dr. Janet McMullen

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