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With the NFL season in full grind and approaching the playoffs, BAF looks at the Dallas Cowboys and the highly visible impact and history of their popularity on the air. He is joined by longtime Cowboys fan, Kaete, who represents a solid example of how television connects loyal followers outside of Texas. Topics of discussion center on how annual Thanksgiving appearances and active player, coach, and other personnel presence beyond the field have contributed to the brand "America's Team." 

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Parades are a longtime occasion to celebrate and honor. BAF explores how the presence of television has heightened the experience. This involves eliminating the factor of traveling the distance to see the spectacle, bringing amazing views close up through camera angles to see floats, inflatables, and performances plus hearing commentary from favorite on-air personalities. It all started in 1948 with the first national telecast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade bringing enjoyment and pop culture to American households over a national holiday. This annual telecast led the way to others that promote recreational and political events. With the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the horizon take a look back to its time on the air. 

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The 1950s brought science fiction to television, but in October of 1959 a new program took elements of that genre to another level with a new anthology titled "The Twilight Zone." Created, produced, and narrated by Rod Serling this program explored different situations each episode involving space, time, the mysterious and unknown, and twists inolving humanity as well. Past guest Krysti joins BAF on an exploration of past episodes of "The Twilight Zone" and the overall show's impact over time. 

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The 1970s were a changing time for television bringing in a mix of new sitcoms and variety shows involving satire and social issues along with new trends and images in action shows and crime dramas. As the curtain closed on the era of western-based shows that were popular during the 1950s and 60s, two new historical dramas focused on the everyday lives of family in rural America - The Waltons and Little House of the Prairie. SImilar in many ways, they were also unique in how they touched American households in the nine seasons they aired. The families from Waltons Mountain and Walnut Grove defined more than just a generation. 

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No, it's not an Olympic year and half a year away from one. But the purpose of having an Olympic Games sustains through time. BAF admits that in starting the podcast in 2024 he neglected last year's summer games in lieu of prepping introductory epsiodes. But better late than never and months ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the importance of their televised exposure ranges across a variety of competitions, ceremonies, news, and features. Television coverage has brought all international parties together. 

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In this bonus coverage, BAF peeks into the television shows of the 1960s decade that centered on espionage. Inspired by the release of the early James Bond films, spy-themeed programs began their mission with The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and continued with Get Smart, I Spy, and the sustaining Mission: Impossible. Many of these shows went beyond what was seen on the television screen and BAF explores the mark they made and how many are still remembered and relaunched in recent times. 

To subscribe for bonus coverage and support the podcast, visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381107/subscribe 

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BAF explores a nostalgic subject for many when it comes to television programs - the opening theme. The early programs focused on the announcement of the show and its primary sponsor(s) but over time has helped introduce the setting and characters using music and visuals in different ways to set American audiences up to watch the program at hand. BAF addresses the question later in the episode if the presence of memorable themes are just that - memories?

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With this year's Wimbledon Grand Slam Tournament in the books and looking ahead to this year's U.S. Open , BAF explores the history and impact of tennis on television from its roots in the 20th Century. Loc, a well-received guest from last season, joins the show again to serve up his tennis experiences and knowledge wiith some of BAF's facts and perspectives on the early years. Topics include "Battle of the Sexes" between Bobby Riggs and BIllie Jean King and its Prime Time coverage, Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe contributing to the inclusiveness of tennis, and the personal stories and personalties of Chris Evert Lloyd, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi. Also hear about some past sportscasters including the "man with the crazy pants." 

Receive bonus coverage at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381107/support. 

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The evolution of television programming was greatly influenced by the structure of the television season. BAF explores how it started out in experimental forms with early programming before eventually developing a fall through spring-summer model with reruns filling in. Certain programs defined the idea of the season finale through plot twists, cast and character changes, and the cliffhanger (Because soap operas are a future topic none specifically are mentioned in this episode just their role in general). Tune in to hear more on this season finale and engage in summer reruns before Season 2 begins in July. 

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Commerical breaks that is! BAF explores televison advertising from its earliest days and how it has evolved and changed. From its earliest days of sponsors promoting cigarette smoking to anti-drug public service announcements. From the earlier upbeat Presidential campagin ads to those that attacked political opponents. How something as simple as a Folgers coffee products can define household roles and approaches depending on the decade in which the commercial is released. Plus the characters and jingles that kept us buying food. The commercials that told us as viewers how we could be more attractive, healthy, or in control. This has always been the influence of advertising and it started on the days of the antenna. 

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