Encyclopedia of Television

(Note: Preface is taken from uncorrected proofs. Changes may be made prior to publication.)

The Museum of Broadcast Communications is proud to continue its commitment to educating about, and providing a better understanding of, electronic media in our world with this second edition of the Museum of Broadcast Communications Encyclopedia of Television. We also continue our collaboration with Dr. Horace Newcomb as Editor of the Encyclopedia. Dr. Newcomb is the Lambdin Kay Distinguished Professor for the Peabodys and Director of the George Foster Peabody Awards Program in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.

The First Edition the Encyclopedia of Television was recognized throughout the world of reference book reviewers, librarians, scholars, teachers and students as a powerful addition to their resources for understanding this most important medium. As an accompaniment to the Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr. Research Center at the Museum, it makes a major contribution to our ongoing educational mission. Television, as Dr. Newcomb writes in his Introduction, is constantly changing. Our efforts, both at the Museum and in this important reference work, mark those changes and look to the future of the medium.

The MBC is dedicated to preserving the history of television, analyzing its present state, and assisting in shaping its future. This edition of the Encyclopedia of Television, completely updated and containing almost 200 new entries, is central to those tasks. We believe it makes a truly significant contribution and are pleased to collaborate with our new publisher, Routledge, in making it available to the public.

This second edition of the MBC Encyclopedia of Television will also usher in a new era for the Museum. In late 2005 the MBC will move into its new 50,000 square foot home on State Street at Kinzie in downtown Chicago. In this new location, visitors will be able to explore radio and television history in comfort. They will also be able to interact with our digitized collection in the MBC Media Cafe. The digitization of the MBC collection began in early 2004. It will allow us to offer greater access to our archives, our public programs and our seminars, both onsite and online at www.museum.tv. With extensive streaming content, standardized lesson plans for teachers, online exhibitions and our Flashback series of historic events, the MBC website is on the "favorite list" of many television scholars around the world.

Happy reading, happy browsing and please plan to visit us at our new home in Chicago in late 2005.

Bruce DuMont
Founder/President/CEO
Museum of Broadcast Communications