"The authors have meticulously documented an in-depth survey of the entire world of TV trends and programming from the industry’s beginnings, presenting along the way some very judicious critical analyses."—Library Journal
"An honest but affectionate chronicle that never loses sight of the more serious side of television while, thankfully, not taking itself too seriously."—Atlanta Constitution
"Castleman and Podrazik have put together a well-researched, tightly written documentary on the development of the television industry and the individuals involved."—Publishers Weekly
"A meticulously researched history and analysis of programs and trends, chronicling every primetime fall schedule since 1944."—Robert Feder, Chicago Media Columnist
Description
Castleman and Podrazik present a sweeping season-by-season story, capturing the essence of television from its inception to the contemporary era of anytime access and online streaming, including every prime time fall schedule since 1944. The authors have dug through the mounds of obscure facts, offbeat anecdotes, and corporate strategies that have made television a multibillion-dollar industry. Watching TV provides a fascinating history of how the personalities, popular shows, and coverage of key events have evolved across eight decades.
Full of facts, firsts, insights, and exploits, as well as rare and memorable photographs, Watching TV is the standard history of American television. This third edition includes coverage up through the mid-2010s and looks ahead to the next waves of change.
About the Author
Harry Castleman practices law in Boston and has written seven other popular culture books with Podrazik. He has worked as a media producer and consultant for a number of political organizations and campaigns. He has also been a guest lecturer on TV history at Boston University’s College of Communication.
Walter J. Podrazik is a communications and logistics consultant. He also serves as television curator at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago and is regularly quoted in media articles. As an adjunct lecturer at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he teaches television history and analyzes the role of media in politics.
January 2016