American Decades

Important Events in the Media, 1960–1969

Daytime radio serials and most other network radio programming end, leaving news and special events coverage.
On February 10, television host Jack Paar's late night talk show is cut off by NBC censors after he tells a joke they consider to be in poor taste. The next night, Paar walks off the show to protest the censorship. He does not return to the air until March 7.
On May 19, radio disc jockey Alan Freed, who coined the term "rock 'n roll," is arrested for taking money to play certain records on his program. Famous TV disc jockey Dick Clark denies accepting such bribes. But the "payola scandal" reaches national proportions.
On June 1, the National Council of Churches issues a report assailing television's preoccupation with sex and violence.
On September 26, the largest television audience yet measured watches the first of four debates between presidential candidates Vice-president...

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