History and impact of television on culture and politics

• Television's American history began in the early 1900s with initial experimental broadcasts.
• Philo T. Farnsworth invented the first electronic television system in 1928, utilizing cathode ray tubes.
• Television became widespread in American homes in the late 1940s.

Golden Age of Television

• The 1950s marked the Golden Age of Television, dominated by CBS, NBC, and ABC.
• Popular shows included "I Love Lucy," "Leave It to Beaver," and "The Tonight Show."
• These shows significantly shaped American culture and influenced social norms.
• Television played a role in political campaigns, with candidates using TV ads.
• Barack Obama successfully used social media and online advertising in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns.

Impact on American Society

• Television has profoundly influenced how Americans think, act, and interact.
• It has made an impact on social issues, including race relations, gender roles, and sexuality.
• Television's ability to create mass media allows programs to reach large audiences.
• Presidential debates are broadcast live, enabling millions to form opinions about candidates.
• Many educational programs are produced for television, providing information from history to science.
• These programs benefit children lacking access to traditional classroom learning.
• Television contributed to cultural homogenization and provided a platform for diverse voices.

Influence on Politics

• Presidential debates have become integral to the political process, allowing voters to assess candidates.
• The first televised debate was between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson in 1952, with over 60 million viewers.
• Television has been used for propaganda, especially during the Cold War to promote anti-communist sentiments.
• Political campaigns use TV ads to sway public opinion, shaping perception and influencing voting behavior.
• Television shapes public opinion through news programs, talk shows, and other media.
• Politicians carefully craft messages to resonate with target audiences.
• Television shapes public opinion on social issues like race relations, gender roles, and LGBT rights.

Shaping Public Opinion

• Television shapes public opinion by consistently reaching large audiences quickly.
• TV is a tool for propaganda and persuasion, particularly during election campaigns.
• News programs set the agenda for public discourse, focusing on certain topics.
• Television shapes cultural norms and values, exposing viewers to diverse lifestyles.
• Reality TV shows may have contributed to liberal attitudes towards teenage independence.

Source of News

• The first television broadcast was on July 13, 1928, by John Logie Baird in Scotland.
• Regular TV broadcasts started in the U.S. in 1947 with NBC's "Mary Kay and Johnny" show.
• Television provides breaking news, sports updates, weather, entertainment and political coverage.
• Many people rely on local news for community events information.
• There are concerns include sensationalism and focus on ratings over substance.
• Viewers may struggle to distinguish between fact and fiction in news programming.

Portrayal of Minorities

• Historically, there has been underrepresentation or stereotypical portrayal of minorities on television.
• There are concerns television contributes to negative stereotypes and reinforces power structures.
• Shows like "Black-ish" and "Fresh Off the Boat" provide diverse perspectives.
• Progress is slow, and many minority groups are still underrepresented.
• There is a lack of writers and producers shaping accurate representations of different experiences.

Violence on Children

• Exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization and increased aggression in children.
• TV violence may reinforce gender stereotypes and promote anti-social behaviors.
• It has been linked to increased fear and anxiety in children.
• Parents and policymakers need to limit children's exposure to violent programs.

Advertising’s Programme Impact

• Advertisers influence programming by paying for airtime, causing networks may tailor around advertisers.
• Popular shows may be moved to accommodate commercials, and certain programs are favored for higher ratings.
• Product placements are used, where advertisers exert influence on networks to include these.

Reality TV's Cultural Impact

• Phrases and concepts introduced through reality TV have become part of everyday, such as "fake news."
• Stars like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian have achieved fame beyond their shows.
• Reality TV's confrontational format has been compared to modern politics.
• Some critics believe that reality TV contributes to polarization and lack of civility in political debates.

Future of Television

• Trends shaping the industry include increased streaming services such as Netflix, personalized viewing experiences, and original programming.
• There is a shift towards streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Companies such as Hulu use algorithms to recommend content based on individual viewing habits.
• Networks are creating exclusive content to stand out from the crowd.

This lesson explores the history of television, from its invention to its widespread availability in American homes. It also considers the impact of television on American culture and politics. It also studies a trend shaping the future of television in America.