Editorial July 16, 1966 Issue

Let's Do Something About Television

Carl J. Welz

The television medium offers the possibility of a distinct, new form of art. Experimental programs on educational channels give hope for progress in this direction. And a few commercial programs show deliberate attempts to present art, some of other media and some that can be called artistic television.

Many of us are unhappy because full-length drama and musical performances have not proved sufficiently attractive to hold the interest of the mass of viewers who buy the various products whose manufacturers must pay for television time and production. And we are inclined to blame this on commercialism or on the masses who demand so little. But is it not possible that we are witnessing the development of an art? And can we not see the universal significance of this development and give it intelligent support? There is something we can do that is better than complaining.

If a new art form using the television medium is to evolve, a free economy in which television is commercially sponsored is a good environment for it. In this environment the new form will necessarily be appealing to popular thought. Otherwise, it will not survive.

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