Transmitting the past : historical and cultural perspectives on broadcasting /

This collection comprises nine original essays that shed light on the rise of radio and television in America. Winn and Brinson (both, Auburn Univ.) took a broad view of their subject matter in putting this volume together, so the book includes material on key individuals, significant programs, and the social impact of radio and TV. The specific topics include the transformation of Marconi's popular image from 1919 to 1922 as broadcasting was starting up after WW I; entertainment and sports programming on an educational station in the 1920s; the Davis Amendment and the Radio Act of 1927; how women broke into radio prime time from 1943 to 1948; NBC's television program strategy from 1945 to 1950; the colorizing of formerly black-and-white motion pictures; and syndicated TV programs in the late 1980s. That the contributors to this useful book represent a good cross-section of American media scholars is further proof of the growing interest in serious historical research in the field. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. C. Sterling George Washington University