German Television Historical and Theoretical Perspectives [Hardcover]

Long overlooked by scholars and critics, the history and aesthetics of German television have only recently begun to attract serious, sustained attention, and then largely within Germany. This ambitious volume, the first in English on the subject, provides a much-needed corrective in the form of penetrating essays on the distinctive theories, practices, and social-historical contexts that have defined television in Germany. Encompassing developments from the dawn of the medium through the Cold War and post-reunification, this is an essential introduction to a rich and varied media tradition.

This collection of essays is the first of its kind in English & this volume offers well-researched, in-depth reflection on the subject of German television ranging from historical overview to case study and spanning the history of West and East Germany, the key relationship between film and television, and the transnational dimensions of programming, technology and audience.? Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television

Robert Shandleyis Professor of German and Film Studies at Texas A&M University. His most recent books includeHogan's Heroes?(TV Milestones Series, 2011) andRunaway Romances: Hollywood's Postwar Tour of Europe?(2009).

List of Figures

Introduction
Larson Powell and Robert Shandley

PART I: TECHNICAL PREHISTORY AND THEORETICAL APPROACHES

Chapter 1.Contingencies and Ruptures in the Technological History of Television
Wolfgang Hagen

Chapter 2.Boredom, War and Paradox: German Theories of Television
Larson Powell

PART II: GDR TELEVISION

Chapter 3.Just Like in the West, Except Different: Television and its Relationship to Film in the Conl£$