Former FCC Chief Newton Minow, who Criticized Network Television as a ‘Vast Wasteland,’ Passes Away at 97

Newton N. Minow, a former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), passed away on at the age of 97. While his tenure as the FCC chief only lasted two years, his legacy in the broadcasting industry is still felt today. Minow famously declared in a speech to the National Association of Broadcasters in 1961 that television programming was a “vast wasteland,” a statement that resonated with many Americans who were becoming increasingly disenchanted with the quality of television programming.

In addition to his criticism of television programming, Minow also played a key role in the introduction of televised presidential debates. In 1960, he advised then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy on the importance of using television to connect with voters, and Kennedy went on to participate in the first televised presidential debate against Richard Nixon that same year. The debate is widely regarded as a turning point in American politics and helped cement the importance of television in the political process.

Minow’s advocacy for quality in television also led to the passage of a law mandating UHF reception on TV sets. At the time, UHF was a relatively new technology that allowed for more channels to be broadcast, but many viewers did not have UHF-capable sets. The mandate helped to ensure that all viewers had access to a greater variety of programming.

In addition to his work at the FCC, Minow was a strong supporter of Senator Barack Obama and played a role in his presidential campaigns. He was also a vocal advocate for media literacy and was a founding board member of Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization that aims to improve media and technology for children.

Minow’s daughter, Nell Minow, stated that her father passed away at home surrounded by loved ones and had a good life. She also noted that her father believed in the importance of many voices in television and that the airwaves belonged to the people. His legacy as a champion of quality in television programming and a supporter of media literacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Newton Minow is a prominent American attorney and former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He is best known for his famous speech about the state of television programming in America, which he delivered in 1961. But his contributions to the field of media and communications go far beyond that one speech.

Minow was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1926. He attended Yale University, where he received his undergraduate degree in 1949. He went on to attend Harvard Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1950.

After law school, Minow worked for a law firm in Chicago, where he specialized in corporate law. But his interest in media and communications drew him to public service. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed him as the chairman of the FCC.

During his tenure as chairman, Minow was a strong advocate for public interest programming. He believed that television had the potential to be a powerful educational tool, but that it was not living up to that potential. In a speech to the National Association of Broadcasters, he famously referred to television as a “vast wasteland.” He urged broadcasters to provide more programming that would inform and educate the public.

Minow’s speech was widely criticized at the time, but it helped to spark a national conversation about the state of television programming. His advocacy for public interest programming helped to pave the way for the creation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which was established in 1967.

After leaving the FCC, Minow returned to private practice in Chicago. But he continued to be active in public life. He served on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the Chicago Community Trust and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. He also continued to be a prominent advocate for public interest programming in the media.

In recent years, Minow has continued to be an influential figure in the media and communications industry. He has been a strong advocate for net neutrality, arguing that the internet should be treated as a public utility and that all users should have equal access to it.

Minow’s legacy as an advocate for public interest programming and a champion of the public’s right to quality media and communications is a lasting one. His famous “vast wasteland” speech is still remembered today as a seminal moment in the history of television programming. And his advocacy for net neutrality has helped to shape the debate over the future of the internet.

In conclusion, Newton Minow’s contributions to the field of media and communications have been significant and enduring. His advocacy for public interest programming and his championing of the public’s right to quality media have had a lasting impact on the industry. As the media and communications landscape continues to evolve, his ideas and insights will continue to be relevant and important.