EXAM 2 Flashcards
According to MacDonald, what changed in U.S. history that affected black TV portrayals?12
License Renewal
Federal Communications Commission renews broadcasting licenses. Can deny right to broadcast. FCC appointed by President.
What were some of the complaints and what motivated them?12
30 minutes wasn’t enough
they wanted hour long shows, but it was declined
How was pressure applied to networks/stations? 12
FCC strictly enforced the Fairness Doctrine.
Station would have to present counter-arguments to every controversial subject covered. Curtailed coverage on race issues.
How were TV news/documentaries/dramas affected and why?
12
TV News Operations especially affected.
Start reporting “good news”. Turned to “happy talk” or “fluff” stories.
What happened to blacks in dramas and what happened to them in sitcoms? 13
African American roles in TV series were diminishing or becoming stereotyped in comedy.Their were blacks doing sitcoms but not many, the ones who were doing it, they were sorta making fun of themselves
What contributions did blacks though make some contributions in dramatic areas?
what actors made contributions?
what type of movies was a favorite theme (not blaxploitation)? 13
Made for TV movies A favorite theme for biographical movies was sports figures. Brian’s Song (1971) The Ron LeFlore Story (1978) Movies focusing on black athletes.
What type of comedy was made popular? 13
stereotyped
Who had the first successful black variety program-his type of humor? 13
The flip wilson show.
What comedian was noted for not using humor to elevate white society as being better? 13
Richard Prior
Humor in Tandem Production shows-Age of New Minstrelsy 14
Examples: All in the family Good times Jeffersons whats happening different strokes .
What happened to network TV because of their early success? 14
.They created more tv series
The character that received the most criticism was? 14
J.J
Why these types of stereotypes were acceptable-the producers claims. 14
Use of old stereotypes was acceptable because series dealt with pressing social issues of the time.
How some thought blacks could shape a different image of themselves 16
Whitney Young (1970) of National Urban League: to overcome bias in TV, blacks need to establish their own companies and produce their own programming. Be in charge of their image.
The complaints made by black ad hoc/lobbying organizations 16
- More employment in the industry.
2. More cultural and community related programming.
Some of the programs in the 70s that served blacks constructively 16
History of the Negro People
Rush to Freedom
Black Omnibus
Most distinguished and long running cultural program 16
Black Journal (Tony Brown’s Journal)
Long running but not quite as significant program 16
Soul Train
Why there was a black correspondent in Africa on Tony Brown’s Journal 16
Black Journal (Tony Brown’s Journal) Stationed a correspondent in Ethiopia. Brown said African Americans need to see the positive side of Africa to develop roots of identification.
Problems encountered with black cultural programs 16
shows appeared at obscure time slots and had low budgets.
Things that happened in the 70s that brought hope to why the black image might change
- The success of two Roots miniseries failed to inspire a wave of serious dramatic programming.
Roots (1977) was the most widely viewed miniseries in TV history. Averaged 45 rating and a 66 share. - By end of 1970’s, African Americans had become a large part of consumer market.
Return in late 70s and early 80s to back up roles-“Baby I’m Back” stereotype
Black image was successful as long as they were being laughed at in comedy. Old stereotypes still there:
Baby I’m Back (1978)
Image of black man who leaves his wife and children (parental irresponsibility, hustler, and sweet-talker)
Attempts to make a black dramatic program
Dramatic Programming:
Attempts to fashion a black version of The Waltons. Black characters in Kinfolks, Down Home and Palmerstown, USA, but shows did not make it.
(On test name some other than Bill Cosby…Instead name
Comparison of “Beulah land” to a show
.
Complaint about blacks in ads
Blacks are seen less frequently than animals.
Blacks have fewer positive contacts.
Blacks seen eating more often.
Blacks entertain others.
What the efforts of the black lobbying groups in the 70s got them by the 1980s
-hiring at TV station
-dramas
Success of black athletes in pro sports
The success of black athletes in pro sports by 1982 actually threatened their appear on TV. Pittsburg Pirates (1979) had fielded all black team. NBA had increased number of black players. Led to decreased viewership. CBS only aired finals in 1982-83.
