US Television News and Cold War Propaganda, 1947-1960
Primary Research on the Cold War Era
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Television news and the Cold War grew simultaneously in the years following World War II, and their history is deeply intertwined. In order to guarantee sufficient resolve in the American public for a long term arms buildup, defense and security officials turned to the television networks. In need of access to official film and newsmakers to build themselves into serious news organizations, and anxious to prove their loyalty in the age of blacklisting, the network news divisions acted as unofficial state propagandists. They aired programs produced, scripted, and approved by the White House and the Departments of State and Defense as news and public affairs programs. Based on extensive primary research, this book makes a strong and compelling argument for collaboration between US television networks and government during the early years of the medium, and demonstrates how the Cold War was effectively 'sold' to the American public.
Reviews for US Television News and Cold War Propaganda
“A very powerful story, based on extensive use of government archives, manuscript collections, oral histories, and other sources.”
— American Historical Review
“[Bernhard's] analysis of media cowardice in dealing with one of the earliest challenges to deviance in Cold War reporting is superb.”
— Robert P. Newman
“This excellent book...expertly covers the interactions of the U.S. government with developing television network news organizations in the coverage of the early years of the Cold War...this book is a captivating account of how television participated with government in constructing and selling the first decade of the Cold War to the American public. In giving readers her insights, Bernhard successfully clarifies the interrelationship of government and industry policies in the early years of the Cold War that added shape and definition to our present-day post-Cold War society. All media scholars, especially communication historians, should read this book.”
— Journalism History
“The author chooses well-chosen sources to document 'East-West relations steeped in consumer oriented anti-communism,' which helped to form a 'Cold War consensus.'...She shares acute insights on the power of metaphor--as when many characterized television as an X-ray and a mirror--and provides a persuasive concluding chapter, 'Selling America.' A readable book recommended for all collections.”
— Choice
“Thoroughly researched and forthright in its conclusions...a provocative book.”
— Nieman Reports