television

#ArtLitPhx: Images of America: Phoenix Television

Superstition Review

Dr. John E. Craft and Lisa Honebrink discuss and sign their book Phoenix Television, featuring stories and archival photos that let you experience the early days of TV—”a time when the flickering blue light from a new receiver first danced on the curtains of darkened living rooms all over Phoenix.”

Photo of book cover of Images of American: Phoenix Television

Immediately following World War II, television burst upon the American scene. Radio had been the popular way of receiving news and entertainment during the war years, but now, television could provide pictures to illustrate radio’s programs. It was like having your own personal movie theater in your living room. Although isolated in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix citizens were not to be denied the wonders of this new communication medium. KPHO-TV, Channel 5, signed on the air on December 4, 1949, with a selection of programs from all four television networks. Channels 12, 10, and 3 were soon to follow, and the lifestyles of the residents of Phoenix would never be the same. The flickering blue light from the Magnavox or RCA receivers danced on the curtains of the darkened living rooms all over town. Now Phoenicians could experience the televised dramas from New York City or view the films of Hollywood with just the flip of a switch—and maybe some careful adjustment of the rabbit ears.

Book sales help fund scholarships for journalism students at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

PARKING / LIGHT RAIL

  • Don’t want to drive? Take the Light Rail! It lets off at the Central Avenue/Camelback Park-and-Ride, which has hundreds of free parking spaces across the street from Changing Hands.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS 
Dr. John E. Craft and Lisa Honebrink both are members of the Board of the House of Broadcasting Museum in Phoenix. Craft is a member of the faculty of the Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, and Honebrink has been a television producer and spokesperson as part of her public relations career in Arizona.

EVENT INFORMATION

Location: Changing Hands Bookstore, 300 W. Camelback Rd.,
Phoenix

Date: Friday, May 17

Time: 7 p.m.

For more information about the event, click here.

Meet the Interns: Kimberly Singleton, Nonfiction Editor

Superstition Review

Kimberly Singleton is a sophomore at ASU studying English and Public Relations.

Superstition Review: What is your position with Superstition Review and what are your responsibilities?

Kimberly Singleton: As one of the Nonfiction Editors, I’m responsible for researching and creating a list of nonfiction authors to solicit. After the solicitations, I read the incoming submissions and respond to the postings. My responsibilities also include writing interview questions for two different nonfiction authors.

SR: How did you hear about Superstition Review and what made you decide to get involved?

KS: Through e-mail I received the notice that Superstition Review was seeking interns for the spring semester. As an English and Public Relations major, I wanted to gain as much job experience within my areas of study, so SR seemed like a great opportunity to do this. I was excited about the firsthand experience SR offered to their interviewees.

SR: What are you hoping to take away from your Superstition Review experience?

KS: SR has already been a rewarding experience in terms of learning about the publishing industry. Moreover, I have especially gained insight into how an online literary magazine works. This is great a great experience for getting a taste of publishing careers on a foundational level. I am honored to be working with such a nationally recognized and respected magazine.

SR: Describe one of your favorite literary or artistic works.

KS: One of my favorite works of literature is EM Forster’s A Room with a View. This is an enchanting story that constantly reminds me why I’m an English major. These are the artifacts of our culture that are worth remembering…ones that transport us to a world outside our own. And it is such with A Room with a View. Its rich story and breathtaking narration draw me in at every moment into another time and place.

SR: What are you currently reading?

KS: I’m currently reading Azar Nafisi’s memoir, Reading Lolita in Tehran. From my nonfiction author research, I became very interested in the nonfiction genre and have been reading many pieces in that area.

SR: What is your favorite Superstition Review section, and why?

KS: I’m really liking the nonfiction section so far. Before working with SR, I would have said fiction every time, but I have learned a lot about the nonfiction genre that makes me like it more and more.

SR: Who would be the Superstition Review contributor of your dreams?

KS: Let’s see…I think Lorrie Moore would be fantastic for the fiction section. She has a unique voice that makes ordinary life beautiful.

SR: What other position(s) for Superstition Review would you like to try out?

KS: Probably Solicitation Coordinator and Interview Coordinator would be interesting to try. I like working with people and practicing my professional communication skills.

SR: Besides interning for Superstition Review, how do you spend your time?

KS: School, school, and more school…I’m taking a pretty heavy load this semester, so I don’t have a lot of free time. In my very spare moments, I like to read, watch old movies, and hang out with my sister.

SR: What is your favorite mode of relaxation?

KS: During the school year my relaxation is mindless television entertainment. Reality TV for those really awful days: Project Runway, Millionaire Matchmaker, America’s Next Top Model. Then there’s Bones, Burn Notice, and Gilmore Girls re-runs for the Friday nights in.