1960 Debate That Changed Politics Forever
On September 26, 1960, seventy million Americans watched the first televised presidential debate. Radio listeners thought Richard Nixon won, but TV viewers overwhelmingly chose JFK, who looked calm and tan. This event proved that visual image was now just as important as political policy.
Chapter 1
The tube takes over the living room
Chapter 2
The beat that shook the floorboards
Chapter 3
Celluloid rules are broken
Chapter 4
Pages, play, and a changing world
Ch 1 · The tube takes over the living room
schopenhauer 1960s Television
Pull up a metal tray, we're watching the glowing tube tonight!
schopenhauer Rod Serling used science fiction and fantasy to sneak powerful social commentary past television censors.
Fun Fact
TV dinner trays: The 1960s popularized folding metal tray tables specifically designed so families could eat dinner while watching their favorite television shows.
schopenhauer The Flintstones debuted as the first animated sitcom to air during prime time, changing animation history.
Glossary
television (noun)
A system for transmitting visual images and sound that are reproduced on screens. In 1960, the medium reshaped American politics during the first televised presidential debate between Kennedy and Nixon.
A system for transmitting visual images and sound that are reproduced on screens. In 1960, the medium reshaped American politics during the first televised presidential debate between Kennedy and Nixon.
Quiz
How did the medium of the first 1960 presidential debate affect who people thought won?
BETA
schopenhauer Tune the retro TV dial to discover the biggest pop culture hits of 1960.
schopenhauer The Flintstones brought prehistoric family life to prime-time television.
Quiz
What was the most-watched television show in the United States during the year 1960?
schopenhauer The first televised presidential debate between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon
Quiz
What technology did early 1960s TV remote controls, like the Zenith Space Command, use?
Quiz
Which beloved television variety program debuted in 1960, showcasing Andy Griffith's fictional town of Mayberry?
Quiz
Which legendary British soap opera first broadcasted its very first episode in December 1960?
Quiz
Which prehistoric family debuted as television's first prime-time animated sitcom in 1960?