Museum of Broadcast Communications

01/15/2021

AP

AP

Joanne Rogers, an accomplished concert pianist who nurtured the memory and legacy of husband Fred Rogers after his 2003 death, has died at 92. Joanne and Fred Rogers were married for more than 50 years.

http://apne.ws/Nk5whto

01/14/2021

Great Debates: Inaugration and Insurrection

Another installment in our GreatDebates.org discussions about how we sort through this presidential election and all it entails in a nonpartisan manner. This is for teachers, students and lifelong learners. Thanks to Dennis Cremin of Lewis University, Carol Summerfield of the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff and our executive director Susy Schultz for the discussion. And to our colleague Deborah Douglas, who has been a part of these panels but was not able to join us tonight. (We want to plug your new book, "U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler's Guide to the People, Places and Events that Made the Movement.")

01/13/2021

HOME | Greatdebates

Ahead of our Great Debates program this evening, take some time to check out the online exhibit! The timeline and resources are always being updated so be sure to bookmark and keep checking back. Our newest curriculum module was published today and examines race and the Supreme Court. Teachers, parents, and students can access all curriculum free of charge!

Our newest module "Race and the U.S. Supreme Court:"https://3e217927-8acd-4b27-af5b-af50c9cce6ed.filesusr.com/ugd/f12618_c95f3ebbeb2d4669a45e92c17e005688.pdf

From talk radio, to television, to podcasts and to Twitter, we want students to understand not just the debates but the critiques, the spins and the patterns. We want to support teachers in developing critical thinking and news literacy in students — two things that will serve them throughout the...

01/13/2021

The world is watching as The House of Representatives begin their debates on articles of the impeachment of President Trump. But how can teachers and parents discuss this impeachment with students? Tonight, tune in to our live panel discussion at 7:30pm CST. Our panel of educators will have ideas, resources, and answers to your questions. Teachers, parents, and students alike can head to www.greatdebates.org for a free exhibit and curriculum.

Panelists include Deborah Douglas, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Journalism at DePauw University, Carol Summerfield, Co-Author of www.greatdebates.org curriculum, and Dennis Cremin, Professor of History at Lewis University.

01/12/2021

MBC's Happy (half) Hour

Susy Schultz sits down with Dr. Suzanne Chod of North Central College to break down what exactly is going on in Congress. Who has the power to invoke the 25th Amendment? What happens if President Trump is impeached? Check out the discussion for some great insight on our country’s current events!

If you are looking to learn more about how media has aided, disrupted, and generally impacted the U.S. Presidency, head over to www.greatdebates.org for our online exhibit, complete with FREE high school curriculum for teachers.

01/12/2021

Tomorrow, LIVE on Facebook, our Great Debates panel is back to give some insight about how to approach the events of the last week with students. This will be an excellent resource for parents and teachers trying to navigate questions about impeachment, the 25th Amendment, and the attack on the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday.

Panelists include Deborah Douglas, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Journalism at DePauw University, Carol Summerfield, Co-Author of www.greatdebates.org curriculum, and Dennis Cremin, Professor of History at Lewis University.

01/10/2021

Susy Schultz is back to host Season 2 of "Happy (half) Hour" Tuesday. She will be live with Suzanne Chod of North Central College to discuss the possibility of a second Trump impeachment, last week's attack on the Capitol and how the media is covering it all.

Wondering how to discuss political events and issues with students? Visit www.greatdebates.org our online exhibit and free curriculum to help students engage with issues and practice media literacy.

01/08/2021

Presidential Inaugurations on Television with Wally Podrazik and Steve Alper

A timely discussion for our first digital program of the year. Just two weeks before Joe Biden is to be sworn in as the 46th president of the United states, MBC television curator Walter Podrazik sits down with media consultant and former NBC producer Steve Alper to discuss theri experiences working behind the scenes as media coordinator and producer for past presidnetial inaugurations. Wally and Steve share their favorite souveniers as well as memorale moments such as the freeing of the hostages in Iran on Reagan's inauguration day.

This program is part of an ongoing series of programs in relation to the MBC's Great Debates exhibit. You can access the online exhibit, debate analysis, and high school curriculum all for FREE at www.greatedebates.org to keep our programs free or low cost, you can donate to the MBC at www.museum.tv

01/07/2021

Our first program of 2021 starts in just 2 hours! Join us live for lecture and discussion on Television and Presidential Inaugurations. Will you be watching?

01/06/2021

MEET OUR PROGRAM GUESTS!
Tomorrow, join us LIVE at 11am CST for our first program of 2021! Wally Podrazik and Steve Alper will be discussing the role of television in presidential inaugurations.

MEET WALLY PODRAZIK
Walter J. Podrazik is a respected television historian, analyst, and media planner. A graduate of the School of Communication at Northwestern University, he is an adjunct lecturer at the Department of Communication at UIC, where he has taught courses on future TV, television history, and the intersection of mass media and politics. Podrazik has experienced firsthand history-in-the-making handling media logistics at such high profile events as the Democratic Party's quadrennial presidential nominating conventions and as part of the team for both inaugurals of President Bill Clinton.

He is co-author of ten books including the television history Watching TV. For the 2017 Great Books volume Tube Talk he wrote “Pursuit of the Public Interest in the Vast Wasteland” about the continued relevance of Newton Minow’s Vast Wasteland speech. Podrazik was among the on-camera expert voices in the CNN Decades miniseries The Nineties and The 2000s.

Podrazik serves as television curator at the Museum of Broadcast Communications and as a member of the board of directors of the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.

In addition to the Clinton inaugurations, Podrazik was on-site for the inaugurations of President Jimmy Carter, President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama.

01/06/2021

MEET OUR PROGRAM GUESTS!
Tomorrow, join us LIVE at 11am CST for our first program of 2021! Wally Podrazik and Steve Alper will be discussing the role of television in presidential inaugurations.

MEET STEVE ALPER
Mr. Alper began his career as an Apprentice Film Editor for Columbia Pictures Television, then as a Production Assistant in the feature film industry. He worked on several feature films including Goodbye Columbus, The French Connection, The Godfather and the Sicilian Clan.

After serving in the U.S. Navy as a Photographer’s Mate, with assignments including several shipboard assignments, the Naval Photographic Center and The Pentagon. As a Photographer’s Mate he worked as a cameraman, film editor, grip, electrician and Production Manager. After completing his service Mr. Alper joined NBC in New York as a Unit Production Manager. He worked on all types of programming including: TODAY, Nightly News, News Special Events, and Jeopardy! Concentration, Sale of the Century, Documentaries, Daytime Emmy Awards, Christmas Specials, Entertainment Specials, Regular and Post Season Sports, Political Assignments including the Primaries, Democratic and Republican Conventions, Presidential Debates, Election Night Coverage, and the Inaugurations of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Alper then went on to become Manager of Network Budget Operations, and then Director of Production Operations for NBC Enterprises, which was the forerunner of NBC’s cable operations.

01/05/2021

Thursday! It's our first program of the new year. LIVE on Facebook. No registration required!

01/04/2021

THURSDAY, 1/7 @ 11AM CST:

Ever wondered what it's like to attend a presidential inauguration? What's it like for members of the media on that day? And who exactly are all those balls for? Join us LIVE this Thursday for our first program of the new year! MBC's television curator Walter Podrazik and his guest Steve Alper will dive into their experiences working and attending presidential inaugurations! Grab a snack and a list of questions and join us right here on Facebook.

01/01/2021

Happy New Year! -- Dr. Emily Landon Stays Home for the Holidays

Happy New Year! Dr. Emily Landon has become a wonderful friend and resource throughout this tough year. It only makes sense to have join us again to say a big HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family. May it be safe, healthy, and full of love. And good TV!

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

01/01/2021

Happy New Year Year's Eve!-- Jeff Rogers Stays Home for the Holidays

MBC Board member Jeff Rogers shares his favorite New Year's memories. Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

01/01/2021

Happy New Year! Tomorrow at 12pm CST, friend of the MBC and local superhero Dr. Emily Landon will bring #MBCStayHomefortheHolidays to close with her advice on how to stay safe and healthy in 2021!

12/31/2020

Celebrating Kwanzaa-- Cheryl Corley Stays Home for the Holidays

Both 2020 and Kwanzaa are coming to a close! Public Radio journalist, Cheryl Corley and Band Leader Lucy Smith chat about Kwanzaa, their traditions, and even share a song!

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/30/2020

Dawn Wells, best known for playing the role of Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island, passed away today from complications of Covid-19. With a 58-year career in television and film and over 100 theatrical roles, she still found time for philanthropy. Ms. Wells founded the Idaho Film and Television Institute, and Wishing Wells Collections, a clothing line designed for people with disabilities.

May her memory be a blessing.

12/30/2020

A 2020 Thank You-- Andrea Darlas Stays Home for the Holidays

MBC board member and reporter for WGN TV, Andrea Darlas, speaks for all of us at the MBC when she says THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who has stayed home, thank you to healthcare and other essential workers, thank you to reporters and journalists keeping us informed. As Andrea says, "Better days are ahead."

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/29/2020

"Act Like You're Having a Good Time" -- Michele Weldon Stays Home for the Holidays

This time of year can be tough, especially after a year like this one, for those who have lost loved ones. Grief and loss, but also joy, are all themes in Michele Weldon's new book, "Act Like You're Having a Good Time." For today's #MBCStayHomefortheHolidays, Michele shares a chapter from the book. Check it out!

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/29/2020

Television Appreciation-- Brad Spirrison Stays Home for the Holidays

Join MBC board member, Brad Spirrison, as he reflects on how television has impacted him and the world. He also gives some excellent book reccommendations for anyone looking to learn more! Thanks, Brad!

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/29/2020

We've got more #MBCStayHomefortheHolidays just for you tomorrow! MBC board member Brad Spirrison will share a reflection on what television has meant for him and his friends and colleagues during this difficult year. Join us at 12pm CST! And if you are able, you can make a donation to the MBC at www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/27/2020

Radio in 2020-- Dennis Green Stays Home

Happy Sunday! Dennis Green is not only an MBC board member, he is also the Chariman of the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Commitee. Dennis joins us for #MBCStayHomefortheHolidays to share what his "trusted friend," radio, means to him!

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/27/2020

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays continues tomorrow! MBC board member Dennis Green will share a reflection on what radio means to him, particularly this year. Join us at 12pm CST! And if you can, donations to the MBC are welcome at www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/27/2020

Happy Kwanzaa!-- Maudlyne Ihejerika Stays Home for the Holidays

Join Maudlyne Ihejerika of The Chicago Sun-Times as she celebrates the first day of Kwanzaa! We hope everyone has a safe, happy, and healthy 7 days of celebration.

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays

12/26/2020

Holiday Decor -- Nancy Wiard Stays Home for the Holidays

Do your holiday decorations hold special memories and stories? Before you take them down this season, share your favorites with us in the comments! MBC board member Nancy Wiard makes many of her own decorations. Chek them out here!

#MBCStayHomefortheHolidays is MBC's gift to our community. We want all of you to stay safe and be healthy. And we hope to bring you a little joy with these newly recorded stories, memories, reflections and holiday traditions celebrating our differences and our diversity. Join us every day here through Jan. 1.

And to those of you who have the means, please help the museum to make it through this pandemic with a donation. Anything you can give will help. Thank you! Click here to donate: www.tinyurl.com/mbcholidays