Television and Media Mindfulness

The Invention and Early History of Television

• Foundational Scientific Principles: The invention of the television was made possible by the early work of scientists Joseph Henry and Michael Faraday, particularly through their work on electromagnetic induction.
• Philo Farnsworth: Completed the world's first television system at the young age of $15$.
• Early Transmission Milestones:     * 1927: Occurred the first transmission of a long-distance broadcast between New York (NY) and Washington DC. This was conducted by Bell Telephone and the US Government.     * 1930: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) began operations.     * 1933: The University of Iowa began broadcasting twice a week.
• Growth of Television Adoption:     * Between 1927 and 1936: There were only approximately $200$ television sets across the entire world.     * 1948: The number of television sets globally surged to $1$ million.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Media Regulation

• Nature of the FCC: The Federal Communications Commission is an independent government agency.
• Core Mandate: Historically, the agency was established to protect the public interest and prevent the formation of monopolies.
• Modern Scope: In the contemporary era, the FCC's oversight has expanded to include internet and cellular communications.
• The Fairness Doctrine and Deregulation:     * The Fairness Doctrine: This was an FCC regulation governing what was broadcast on the airwaves.     * 1987: President Ronald Reagan vetoed a regulation that would have mandated the law to show or give voice to an opposing view whenever a controversial topic was aired.     * Consequences of De-Regulation: Due to deregulation, United States airwaves no longer protect public service and welfare. They no longer provide equal access that potentially grants all citizens a voice.

Corporate Ownership and Media Monopolies

• Business Perspective: Television functions as a business where monopolies do exist despite the FCC's original mandate.
• Rupert Murdoch: An Australian-born American multibillionaire who created News Corp and controls a vast multinational media empire. His holdings include:     * Media assets in Australia, England, and Asia.     * American book and newspaper publishing companies.     * The Fox News Channel and the Fox Network.     * Approximately twenty separate channels across America.
• Political Context: According to a new book report, President Joe Biden views Rupert Murdoch as the "most dangerous man in the world."

The Psychology and Strategy of Television Advertising

• Primary Function: Advertisements are designed to teach consumers how to buy, specifically by creating a "need" out of a "want."
• Techniques for Positive Perception: There are $5$ specific techniques used in TV commercials to make viewers feel good:     1. Humor.     2. Babies.     3. Little children.     4. Animals.     5. Sex appeal.
• Brand Embedding: Brands are embedded directly into television shows and movies to enhance brand recognition among viewers.

Media Mindfulness, Ethics, and the Church

• Responsibility of Believers: When social justice is at stake, believers have a duty and responsibility to discern, discuss, and take appropriate action. This ensures that all people—regardless of race, gender, culture, creed, age, religion, or social class—can have a voice in the perspectives presented in news and entertainment.
• Patron Saint: St. Claire of Assisi is recognized as the Patron Saint of Television.
• Parental Controls: The V-Chip was created as a mechanism for parental control, allowing parents to regulate what their children watch.
• Church Guidance on Content: Media Mindfulness and the Catholic Church suggest that the most effective way to deal with inappropriate broadcasting is simply to Change the Channel!