Over the last half century, developments in television broadcasting have exerted an immeasurable influence over our social, cultural, and economic practices. With contributions by leading media scholars,The Television History Bookpresents an overview of the of history of broadcasting in Great Britain and the United States. With its integrated format,The Television History Bookencourages readers to make connections between events and tendencies that both unite and differentiate these national broadcasting traditions. From the origins of the public service and commercial systems of broadcasting to the current period of technological and economic convergence, the book provides an accessible overview of the history of television technology, institutions, polices, programs, and audiences. The numerous "gray box" case studies illustrate the course of television innovation and are accompanied by lists of recommended further reading and an extensive bibliography