Week 8: Elvis on Ed Sullivan in '56

1 Between 1955 and 1965 public opinion of television began to turn a bit negative. Chose one event during this time in history and blog about how it contributed to the thinking that television negatively impacted individuals and society?


When Elvis appeared on Ed Sullivan's show in September of 1956, there was much concern, especially by Ed, himself, that Elvis' provocative dancing/movements would outrage some television viewers.

For his first performance, the cameras stayed mostly above Elvis' waist. But, during his second performance, the camera zoomed out and tv audiences throughout the United States were able to see Elvis' provocative hip swinging.

This offended many parents, as they did not want their children to be able to see such displays on television. And, at the time, there were no sort of tv-parental controls or ratings, so parents had no way of stopping their kids from watching shows like this if they weren't home to physically stop them. So, parents had every right to be worried that such performances would negatively impact their children.

Martin Luther King's Speech

The speech was a very powerful speech. It inspired millions of people around the world, black and white alike. It was significant because it was broadcasted and recorded, and like I just said it inspired millions of people. It also created more of a driving force for the Civil Rights movement. The speech is still relevant today. There are still minorities fighting for their civil rights, that can look back on Martin Luther King's words and gain hope for their purpose.

The Recent abundance of shows not being limited to the Fall Season

Maybe I'm crazy, but I remember a few years ago, all of the new shows would be scheduled for the fall, leaving no new shows in the spring and summer.

I feel like over the past few years, we've seen a shift of new programming spread out throughout the year. NEW shows are even being scheduled in the summer ("Monk", "The Closer", etc.) There are even new shows having their season premiere this week ("Kings").

I'm wondering why the recent shift in programming schedule. I am thinking maybe it has something to do with the increase in the amount of homes that have DVR & TiVo. I think stations are beginning to realize that not everyone watches shows at their air time, and a lot use their DVR to record to watch shows at a later time.

Anyway, thank you, TV scheduling committee (hah what if there was one?), for giving me something to watch in the summer when the Florida Marlins and New York Yankees both have the day off.

TV shows taking "breaks" in the Middle of a Season Unappreciation.

I am starting to get frustrated with a few TV shows right now. I hate when shows take a week off, but I get over it quickly. But, when shows take two or more weeks off, I think its kind of unfair to the viewers. I think producers need to give their viewers a show every week.


Here are a few shows that are starting to "grind my gears". "Lost" is taking two weeks off from airing any new episodes. By the time the next episode airs, people will have forgotten the key revelations of 3 weeks ago. It is really not an ideal move on their part. This leaves me with nothing to watch on Wednesday nights for the next couple of weeks; I'm not thrilled about it.

"Heroes" is another show taking two weeks off (what the hell is it with these shows?!?) Anyway, the show is at a climax point (Peter's brother was discovered to have a superpower, himself. Then, he is shown at Claire's house, saving her from being captured. Also, we found out the "Matt Parkman" that Hiro and Ando were supposed to save is actually a baby named Matt Parkman. It was a very good episode, but left the viewers confused, puzzled, and now forced to wait two more weeks to figure it all out.

How about "Family Guy"? This show frustrates me the most. It is taking an off week more than it is actually being aired, it seems. More than half the time I turn on Fox on Sunday nights, Family Guy has not been new. This is disappointing. (luckily, a new show called "Kings" is coming out this sunday night!)