On May 9, 1961, at the annual convention of the National Association of
Broadcasters, the new F.C.C. Chairman Newton Minow delivered a scathing
speech directed at all of the "Big 3" Networks. CBS, NBC, and ABC. The
Chairman called TV a "Vast Wasteland". The phrase was picked up by the
press, which resulted in bad publicity for the networks, and for the
television industry as a whole. The best the networks came up with was a
few more public affairs shows to appease the press. What that "Vast
Wasteland" turned out was many loved and remembered shows from a much
more innocent time. These shows are still embraced by adolescent "Baby
Boomers" to this day.
From the Late Season lineup on the three networks, which is your
favorite show?
Ed Jones(XLIX)