Chicago Television (Images of America)
$17.54 $26.99Save:$9.00(35%)
Available in stock
Description
Price: $26.99 - $17.54
(as of Sep 01, 2024 03:23:29 UTC – Details)
Take a seat in the front for a journey through the first 50 years of TV in Chicago. Many of the pioneering stations there defined the early years with innovation, personaility and programming.
The history of television in Chicago begins with the birth of the medium and is defined by the city’s pioneering stations. WBKB (now WLS-TV) was the principal innovator of the Chicago School of Television, an improvisational production style that combined small budgets, personable talent, and the creative use of scenery and props. WNBQ (now WMAQ-TV) expanded the innovative concept to a wider audience via the NBC network. WGN-TV scored with sports and kids. Strong personalities drove the success of WBBM-TV. A noncommercial educational station, WTTW, and the city’s first UHF station, WCIU, added diversity and ethnic programming. The airwaves in Chicago have been home to a wealth of talented performers and iconic programs that have made the city one of the country’s greatest television towns. Chicago Television, featuring photographs from the archives of the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) and the collections of local stations and historians, gives readers a front-row seat on a journey through the fi rst 50 years of Chicago television, 1940-1990. Founded in 1982 by broadcaster Bruce DuMont, the MBC Web site offers over 10,000 digital assets.
Publisher : Arcadia Publishing; Illustrated edition (February 1, 2010)
Language : English
Paperback : 144 pages
ISBN-10 : 0738577138
ISBN-13 : 978-0738577135
Item Weight : 1.36 pounds
Dimensions : 8.88 x 0.34 x 9.75 inches
Related
Reviews (8)
0.0
Review this product
Share your thoughts with other customers
Dennis S. Johnson –
Memories Are Made of This
For anyone who grew up in Chicago from around 1948 on, this photo history of Chicago’s television channels and on-air personalities is worth the cost. As a kid in the late 40s and early 50s I’d run home from grammar school at lunch time so I could watch Uncle Johnny Coons Noontime Movies. The book covers more than just children’s shows like Garfield Goose and Howdy Doody and Kula, Fran and Ollie, but also news and sports. I really enjoyed taking this trip back in time when Chicago TV was in its infancy.
The Purple Heart –
great Chicago TV history
A very thorough research into the origins and the pioneers of Chicagoland TV. Many people, behind the camera, were brought to my attention as the names refreshed my memory, from when I was a young gun. For Chicagoans of days gone by it is a very pleasant read stacked with photos.
mary –
Great
Na
J. Hodges –
Not what you may think it is
I grew up in Chicagoland back in early days of TV. Prior to 1946 television was practically unknown. From 1946-1949 TV set sales went through the roof. It was at that time, when great numbers of people started watching that “Chicago Television” was created.I have no idea of the ages of the authors, but this book shows either their ignorance of, or lack of interest in, the early and most interesting period of Chicago television.For example, The biggest and most important TV show to originate in Chicago was “Garroway At Large”. This book has one closeup photo of Dave Garroway facing a TV camera. No mention of Cliff Norton, the sets, the full orchestra in the studio, the Merchandise Mart studios, Nothing but one lousy photo of Dave!Perhaps one the most seen seen local TV personalities was Jim Moran “The Courtesy Man”. He had a full production one hour show on Friday nights called “Courtesy Hour”. In addition, he had hours of movies and commercials the rest of the week. He used to call his commercials “Torture Time”. The authors provide us with one vanity photo of Jim sitting at a desk with his producer looking over his shoulder. Nothing else!Can you imagine a book on Chicago Television with only a short mention of “Super Circus”. No photo’s of Calude Kirchner, the stage, or the theater. Only a vanity glamor shot of Mary Hartline. Indeed, most of the book is nothing more that full or half page vanity photo’s (some signed) of unknown producers, unknown directors, and third rate TV personalities.It is really irritating when the authors fail to mention major personalities that built the medium. The authors spent pages promoting Harry Volkman as a legendary weathermen in Chicago TV, but not one word about Clint Youle. He was the first Chicago TV weatherman, with his black marker and glass covered rand McNally map that he bought at a local office supply. Some may remember his wife’s doing the commercials for some flour company. In addition to being WNBQ’s weatherman on TV news every night, Youle was the “first national news TV weatherman” appearing with John Cameron Swayze on national broadcasts.Sadly, if you expect. like I did, that this book would reflect the history of the early years of Chicago Television, include some studio shots, etc, you will be disappointed. I found it has no historical literary value, and is mostly a collection of vanity photos of unknowns.
MarcyC –
How good does it get?
Having grown up in Chicago during the 50s and 60s, paging thru this book is like stepping into Mr. Peabody’s Wayback Machine. OMG!! Incredible! Hat’s off to Daniel, Steve, Bruce and the MBC. Thanks for the memories.
D. Bischel –
It’s Excellent!
Chicago Television was my profession and am listed and pictured in it several times. It brings back many memories of the unique beginning of the very special creative video style that became known thoughout the country as “Chicago Television.”
Joe Kaczynski –
A Treasure of Chicago History
It takes me back to fond memories of the early days of Chicago Televsion. Lots of photos and excellent back stories.
mike scheele –
Love
Grew up in Chicago Tv news…Love it