While watching the 1996 blockbuster movie Twister recently, I couldn’t help but notice what is supposed to be a tornado warning from 1969 (which, according to IMDB, might in fact actually be a 1970s-era warning from Tulsa TV station KWTV) airing on the TV in the background while the young Jo Harding (Helen Hunt’s character in the…
Continue ReadingCategory: Media History
The 1920 US Presidential Elections and the Birth of Live Election Coverage
As the 2020 US presidential elections dawn upon us, millions of people worldwide will doubtlessly be tuning in to media outlets all across the globe to watch the latest results of the race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Very few people are aware that they will be participating in a tradition that celebrates its…
Continue Reading
Telephone Operators and the “War of the Worlds” Radio Drama
While most people sleep during the night, there is a legion of workers who work during the nighttime hours, making sure that the essential services that power our lives stay on during the night. Part of that legion are the telephone operators who make sure our telephone and Internet service stays on during the night…
Continue Reading