Television: An International History

by Anthony Smith (Editor)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1995

  $3.41

  Television, long regarded as mere entertainment , is now being seriously considered for its significance and effect on human lives. This illustrated study charts the history and development of this influential cultural phenomenon. The book describes the history of television from its technical conception in the 19th century through to the multimedia developments of the present. Alongside this historical account, chapters provide important discussion of the central debates affecting television worldwide, from America and Britain to Europe, Japan, Australia and the Third World. All genres of programme-making - news, sport, drama, comedy - are examined in the light of key questions: how viewing practices affect particular societies; how standards of taste and decency are arrived at; the influence on television of government power; the role of public service broadcasting; and the relationship of television to terrorism and violence.