Moving Images

What is the most important event you have seen on TV?

1 With at least one television in nearly every home in the United States, TV has become the major source for news. In recent memory, September 11, 2001, and the days that followed kept people glued to their television sets for information and comfort. During the more recent war in Iraq, Americans turned on their TVs for similar reasons. Many historical events from the past 50 years would not be remembered the same way without the televised images. Some events were even shaped by the powerful influence these images have on the public.

2 The “Checker’s Speech” by vicepresidential candidate Richard Nixon was an early example of how television can change the public’s perception of someone. Nixon had been accused of accepting gifts for his campaign and was viewed negatively by the public.

3 On September 9, 1952, Nixon went on TV to defend himself. He claimed that the only questionable gift he had received was the family dog, Checkers, and he was not about to give the pet back. The public was moved to tears by Nixon’s speech, and he redeemed himself. However, television would not be so kind to Nixon in the future. 4 In 1959, television played an important role in the presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. Viewers saw a younger, smiling Kennedy trading viewpoints with Nixon, who was scowling and looked uncomfortable. Radio listeners, who had heard only the words and ideas, thought that Nixon had won the debate. However, television viewers declared Kennedy the winner. The power of televised images in politics was never underestimated again.

5 During the tragedy of JFK’s assassination, television allowed the citizens of our nation to grieve together. People across the country saw Kennedy’s coffin as it was loaded onto Air Force One while Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady, stood by watching. Millions who were still in shock over these unbelievable events viewed JFK’s funeral procession. Many citizens were also reassured about the power of our democracy as they watched Vice-President Lyndon Johnson quickly sworn in as the new president.

6 Not all historical moments on television involve politics. For instance, the Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, changed American pop culture. Viewers across the nation saw their goofy grins and goofier haircuts, as well as the crowd’s frenzied cheering, and “Beatlemania” was born.

7 In July of 1969, 94 percent of Americans who owned televisions watched a live broadcast and saw Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans on the moon. Around the world, nearly one billion people watched this event on TV.

Spectrum Reading Grade 6

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Write the words from the passage that have the meanings below.

1. the way in which one is viewed or perceived

2. changed for the better; reformed

3. felt comforted and less anxious

Write T before the sentences that are true. Write F before the sentences that are false.

4. _____ Nixon stated that he did not receive any questionable gifts.

5. _____ About 75 percent of Americans who owned televisions watched Armstrong and Aldrin walk on the moon.

6. _____ The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.

7. _____ Lyndon Johnson became president after Kennedy’s assassination.

8. Do you think that television as a source of news will be as important in the future as it has been in the past? Explain.

9. How did the “Checker’s Speech” change the way people thought of Richard Nixon?

10. Do you think it is fair for people to base their opinions on what they see as well as what they hear? Explain.

11. What kind of effect did television have on the popularity of the Beatles?

12. How did Kennedy and Nixon appear to be different from one another during their televised debate?

Spectrum Reading Grade 6

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