When I screw up -- I want to correct myself. I gave the responsibility of calling TV a "Vast Wasteland" way back in the 60's to poor ole Spiro Agnew. He had enough problems and didn't need any more. The "Vast Wasteland" speech was by Newton Minnow -- who was the Chairman of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) -- the body that rides shotgun over the broadcasting business in the U S. He was appointed by John Kennedy and became a friend of Bobby Kennedy. The speech was given to the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) national convention. That organization is a self appointed organization of radio and TV station owners who created a list of do's and don'ts for themselves -- many of which were not particularly followed and especially not these days. Their NAB rules included such things that the FCC had no control over -- for example -- number of commercials per hour and restrictions on commercial content etc. These NAB members were supposed to follow their own guidelines.
Anyway -- Minnow's speech was written as a challenge to the broadcasters to watch their own TV stations for an entire day and night with no break. He admonished that they would find a "vast wasteland" -- hoping they would create some more interesting and informative programs to fill this wasteland. The speech was not well received by the public. They accused Minnow of being a snooty liberal. Public opinion suggested that most folks were happy with what they saw on TV -- their soap operas and game shows -- and just wanted to be entertained and Minnow should mind his own business.
My oh My -- how things have changed since the advent of cable TV and the repeal of the multi ownership rule. Watch out Cable TV -- here comes TV on your computer or phone and ipad. Talk about a vast wasteland!!
From the heart of Olaf Hart ......
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