The Power of Television
1920s AD
1920 1920
00.14W51.30N
SCI

LONDON, ENGLAND
	One of the most powerful forms of mass communication in today's world is television.  With sound and moving pictures it gives audiences the illusion of being direct observers of news or entertainment events.
	The technical principles of television were developed in the 1920s and television programs were first broadcast by the British in 1937, but only during the 1950s did TV sets become part of most US households, where they have remained ever since.
	With its color, sound and movement, television is more dramatic than newspapers or radio, and as television watching increased, many people spend less time reading newspapers and books. This may be nice for broadcasters, but it is bad news for young people who need to improve their reading but are tempted away by the television.
	Until recently, three major networks, ABC, CBS and NBC, had a lockhold on most US television viewers.  But the advent of video cassette players, cable and satellite television, and the rise of UHF broadcasting has cut into the networks' audiences by providing viewers with more choices.
	Though networks may be having problems, television as a technology is just beginning. In addition to cable television, some experts are now predicting interactive television, which will allow viewers to participate in a program by making choices at critical junctures in the show.