Newton N. Minow, who shocked the nation in 1961 by calling American tv “a vast wasteland,” died on Saturday at his residence in Chicago . He was 97 and died from a coronary heart assault, in keeping with his daughter.
Minow made his memorable remarks at a luncheon in Washington earlier than broadcast executives.
“Stay there without a book, magazine, newspaper, profit-and-loss sheet or rating book to distract you, and keep your eyes glued to that set until the station signs off,” Minow stated. “I can guarantee you that you’ll observe an unlimited wasteland.
He added, “You will see a procession of sport exhibits, violence, viewers participation exhibits, method comedies about completely unbelievable households, blood and thunder, mayhem, violence, sadism, homicide, Western dangerous males, Western good males, personal eyes, gangsters, extra violence and cartoons. And endlessly, commercials — many screaming, cajoling and offending. And most of all, boredom.
“If you think I exaggerate, try it.”
His remarks sparked a nationwide debate over TV’s deserves. While the F.C.C. couldn’t order any content material programming, Minow’s remarks hinted at license renewals issues with out service on the publicly-owned airwaves.
Survivors embrace daughters Nell, Martha, and Mary Minow, and three grandchildren. No memorial plans have been introduced.
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