Heather Hendershot Knihy

A riveting account of the 1968 Democratic convention's network broadcasts and their impact on American media trust. As protestors shouted, “The whole world is watching!” Chicago police clashed with them, leading to shocking scenes aired on television. Reactions varied from outrage to justification, with few, including Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley, pleased with the coverage. Heather Hendershot revisits the chaotic four days, highlighting not only the street violence but also the convention's internal strife, where Black citizens and anti-Vietnam delegates confronted exclusion and sought policy changes. Journalists faced intimidation from Daley's security and party leaders. Hendershot positions this convention as a crucial moment in political history, marking the rise of a distorted notion of “liberal media bias” that became mainstream. She also honors the network news professionals who aimed for fairness and accuracy. Despite their dedication, the events in Chicago marked a turning point in public trust towards national news sources. The political Right has since intensified skepticism towards TV news, leading to the dismissal of even well-documented stories as “fake.” Ultimately, Hendershot illustrates that it matters little if “the whole world is watching” if the audience does not trust what they see.

Nickelodeon is the highest-rated daytime channel in the country, with a rapidly growing cultural influence. This study investigates the reasons behind Nickelodeon’s popularity, its development and marketing strategies, and its role in the children's media industry. The essays are organized into four sections: economics and marketing; the production process; programs and politics; and viewers. Contributors include former Nickelodeon employees, investigative journalists, and scholars from television and cultural studies, highlighting how Nickelodeon appeals to both children and adults. For kids, the channel offers humor and goofiness, while for adults, it provides a violence-free environment, diversity, and gender equality. Nickelodeon successfully balances children's desires for fun with adult expectations of quality programming. Over the past twenty years, Nickelodeon has transformed from a network perceived as the "green vegetable" of children's television to a leading channel with some of the most successful shows. This groundbreaking collection addresses significant gaps in our understanding of contemporary children's culture and the television industry, featuring contributions from notable scholars and industry professionals.