Media Technology

The Power of Television

Our society is influenced every day by many forces.

These forces are individual people, institutions, personal beliefs, fears, hopes, dreams, and tools that channel feelings and opinions to us or confirm and reshape our thoughts. One of the tools used to persuade individuals is television; we allow it to influence our society every day.

Introduction

A Brief History

• 1880:• August 1900:• 1922-1927:• 1928:• 1926-1935:

History Continued…

• July 1941:• World War II halts production.• Late 1946:• June 1951:• May 1954:• 1990:

Using the cost of living today, this would be a $15, 647.58 television!!!

1954 RCA

Just Some Statistics…

• The average American watches 4 hours of television every day.• By the age of 65 we will have watched 9, nonstop, 24 hours per day YEARS

of television.• 98.5% of American homes have at least one T.V.• 81% of children between the ages of 2-7 watch T.V. unsupervised.• 54% of 4-6 year olds said they would rather watch television then spend

time with their fathers.• By the time we reach 18 years of age, we have witnessed over 20,000

“murders” on T.V.• Saturday morning cartoons contain an average of 200 junk food

commercials.

Critics of Television Claim:

It’s Not ALL Bad!

Animal Cruelty

An alarming number of pets and animals are neglected and abused daily.

Animal Cruelty

More Television Pros

September 11,2001

Purposes of Television

The Power of Television

• Entertainment– Is it important that we be entertained?

The Power of Television

• Education

The Power of Television

• Influence/Persuasion

The Power of Television

Complete assignment categorizing shows that are

either entertaining, educational or persuasive.

Start thinking about the what it takes to produce

one of these shows.