From School Library Journal
Adult/High School–The title is something of a misnomer. Although the book is concise, it's not about prime-time television programming but rather about the regulation of the air waves, communications technology, and networks and their affiliates. The authors cover not only the history of TV, but also that of radio, showing how the FCC and the affiliate and sponsorship systems set up for radio evolved into the basis for television's business configuration today. There are a number of thought-provoking points, such as an explanation of why wrestling and roller derby were such popular staples early on and how to true fans of radio, the visual element of television was a limitation rather than an enhancement. When discussing pioneering programs, the authors partner them with modern shows to illustrate points. Sidebars with plot summaries describe specific episodes, and black-and-white photos provide useful images to enhance program descriptions. Well written and clearly and intelligently laid out, this book's greatest strength for high-school researchers is the historically grounded contrasting of radio with television for students unaware of the great similarities between the two. This work best serves those concerned with the macro-level of broadcast entertainment, rather than the micro-level of details about specific programs.
–Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"[P]rovides a complete and accessible understanding of the media medium of television through the historical and modern study of sitcoms, dramas, and other prime-time television particulars. Delving deep into the intricacies of American popular culture and the influential role played by many television shows, Prime-Time Television features a scholarly analysis of the shows, producers, genres, trends, and ideals behind various influential television productions. A seminal contribution to university level Popular Culture reference collections, Prime-Time Television is very strongly recommended reading."
-
MBR Internet Bookwatch
"Well-written and clearly and intelligently laid out, this book's greatest strength for high-school researchers is the historically grounded contrasting of radio with television for students unaware of the similarities between the two. This work best serves those concerned with the macro-level of broadcast entertainment, rather than the micro-level of details about specific programs."
-
School Library Journal
"Organized chronologically, this text examines trends in the prime- time programming of the broadcast networks from its roots in 1920s radio to present day offerings. Writing as both academics and fans, Moore and co-authors discuss all of the major technical, aesthetic, and cultural developments in the medium. Sidebars cover such topics as the quiz show scandals and the introduction of the three-camera filmed sitcom."
-
Reference & Research Book News
"Barbara Moore, Marvin R. Bensman, and Jim Van Dyke have cobbled together a compendium of thoroughly researched evidence that America's top medium for news and information got to be No. 1 for prime-time reasons. The programs, the regulations and the history of television, accompanied by a generous collection of photographs, combine for an interesting addition to the shelves of TV buffs anywhere."
-
American Journalism
