Advanced TV Herstory

Cynthia says,"There's no better definition of representation than the career of Connie Chung."

Look no further than TV news anchor Connie Chung's groundbreaking career for the textbook definition of representation. Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores Chung's impact as a trailblazing Chinese-American journalist through the lens of her 2024 book, Connie, A Memoir.

Revisit Chung's rise through national television journalism, her lasting legacy, and her influence on American culture—including the surprise moment during her 2024 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson. Cynthia also reflects on Chung's open letter in The Washington Post, written in support of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford during the Kavanaugh hearings, and how Chung's career helped define resilience in the face of systemic barriers.

The Kelly Clarkson Show Nov. 2024 https://youtu.be/9j97G7bXwCw?si=oTiCc-sXcauJUkpi

Chung's open letter in The Washington Post as reported in Time Magazine https://time.com/5414736/connie-chung-letter/

Resources or Mentions:

Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV (2014) by Brian Stelter

Connie: A Memoir https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/connie-chung/connie/9781668639528/

Past Advanced TV Herstory eps about TV news or Connie Chung:

The Women Who Reported Watergate

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/03c5bd3d-4d3b-44b0-a801-3fff167bf26e.mp3

On-Air Power of Curry & Pauley

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d796fda1-44a1-4705-81de-89c135370b1c.mp3

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

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PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Cynthia Bemis Abrams sits down with Oscar-nominated documentary director Julie Cohen to explore her career in network TV journalism and filmmaking. The conversation covers Cohen's path to power as a storyteller, highlighting her work on films about Pauli Murray, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Julia Child.

Cohen shares insights into her acclaimed projects, including:

RBG (2018), the documentary about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which gained widespread recognition.

My Name is Pauli Murray (2021), the film on the groundbreaking but lesser-known civil rights activist and attorney. Every Body (2023), a documentary about the intersex rights movement and personal narratives.

Cynthia and Julie discuss highlights of Julia Child's pioneering influence on television and women's roles in professional kitchens. Cohen provides insight into Child's legacy as a feminist figure and the impact of her political activism, particularly regarding reproductive rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Julie Cohen actively promotes her latest documentary, The Path Forward (2024).

Personal stories shared in the film and their broader significance Julie Cohen's Films: Julia (2021): https://imagine-entertainment.com/documentary/julia/

The Path Forward (2024): https://deadline.com/video/the-path-forward-trailer-julie-cohen-mo-husseini-documentary/

My Name is Pauli Murray (2021): https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/sep/15/my-name-is-pauli-murray-review-the-legacy-of-a-fearless-campaigner

RBG (2018): https://www.magpictures.com/rbg/

Every Body (2023): https://www.focusfeatures.com/every-body

To book a screening of A Path Forward : https://grasshopperfilm.com/

By Spring 2025, A Path Forward will be available on paid streaming channels, including Apple+.

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by author Angela Beauchamp to explore how Eleanor Roosevelt, a trailblazing communicator, shaped early public affairs programming. They discuss Roosevelt's prolific media presence, from her "My Day" newspaper column and radio broadcasts to her groundbreaking television appearances.

The conversation highlights how Roosevelt's political influence extended beyond her time as First Lady, using media to engage the public and advocate for change. Angela Beauchamp shares insights from her book Eleanor Roosevelt on Screen: The First Lady's Appearances in Film and Television, 1932-1962, that details the evolution of Roosevelt's on-screen presence (hair, wardrobe and sets!) and her pioneering role as a media influencer.

Referenced Series & Networks:

Meet the Press Prospects of Mankind (1959–1962)

Mrs. Roosevelt Meets the Public (1950–1951)

Today with Mrs. Roosevelt (1950)

Related Episodes of Advanced TV Herstory: FLOTUS on TV: Roosevelt & Ford (1.25)

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e7c53b72-bca7-4434-bc6e-08607b60c48a.mp3

Resources: Media History Project https://mediahistoryproject.org/

Eleanor Roosevelt on Screen: The First Lady's Appearances in Film and Television, 1932–1962 by Angela Beauchamp https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/eleanor-roosevelt-on-screen/

Pastor Hall https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor_Hall

Blanche Wiesen Cook (ER biographer) https://blanchewcook.com/

Eleanor Roosevelt Paper's Project at George Washington University https://erpapers.columbian.gwu.edu/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and filmmaker Lisa D'Apolito pick up the conversation about documentaries, this time about Gilda Radner and the 2018 film, Love, Gilda. In fall 2024, Lisa was a guest along with Mallory Lewis to discuss the documentary, Shari and Lamb Chop.

Cynthia and Lisa explore Lisa's journey from acting to filmmaking and why Lisa uses her talents to tell the stories of women whose accomplishments and impact have been overlooked. They discuss Gilda's diaries, comedians interviewed for the film like Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolf, Bill Hader and Melissa McCarthy and how Lisa built trust with Gilda's friends and family to obtain access to private archives.

The film's premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival (NYC) intro by Tina Fey. https://youtu.be/1B44XRFotuo?si=JjYYdMIzU5iG0QHz

DVD: Love, Gilda https://www.target.com/p/love-gilda-dvd-2018/-/A-90690431

Book: It's Always Something, by Gilda Radner (1989) https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Its-Always-Something/Gilda-Radner/9781439148860

Advanced TV Herstory 2024 episode on film, Shari and Lamb Chop

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/2a27a3c3-a623-4099-9b0c-bd8a345a907f.mp3

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes you to The Paley Center for Media in New York City, exploring its role in preserving television history and hosting key industry events like PaleyFest.

Cynthia dives into The Paley Archive during her visit, recounting her observations while watching the iconic 1973 broadcast of Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs in the historic "Battle of the Sexes." Listen in as Cynthia unpacks the significance of the archive, her first searches in the database, and her candid reactions to Howard Cosell's commentary alongside Rosie Casals and Gene Scott.

Episode Resources Battle of the Sexes: King vs. Riggs 1973 (1.6) - https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/caebe101-cf7f-4cbc-9491-0533166381bd.mp3

TV's Smiling Feminist: Dinah Shore -

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/4e17ef34-fd00-41dc-8296-b6721ec0624b.mp3

The Paley Center for Media Website - https://www.paleycenter.org/

YouTube 1973 broadcast of tennis match https://youtu.be/R9C5XNREzNg?si=4O9Nv5K8ynL30ur0

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams speaks with Karly Beaumont, creator of Core Temp Arts and contributor to TV Movie Mistress, about the comforting power of television. As a Dominican native and lifelong creative, Karly shares her journey as a podcaster and media critic, offering insights into how shows like Bluey, You're the Worst, and UnREAL are her emotional touchstones during challenging times.

Cynthia and Karly probe ways to navigate this time of uncertainty, including listening to understand and recognizing signs of fear. Damian Ali of TalkTeaV contributes a timely message about inclusion and storytelling in today's TV landscape. T

TalkTeaV by Damian Ali https://www.talkteav.com/

Core Temp Arts Network's Talking Shondaland podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-shondaland/id918881317

TV Movie Mistress Podcast https://tvmoviemistress.wordpress.com/

Guest & Host Information:

Karly Beaumont: Instagram @karlyvision | Bluesky @karlybeaumont.bsky.social

Damian Ali: TalkTeaV https://www.talkteav.com/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams discusses the compelling documentary Shari and Lambchop with Mallory Lewis and director Lisa D’Apolito (Love, Gilda).

The film chronicles Shari Lewis' life and her constant reinvention across a variety of roles—TV show host, magician, dancer, singer, actress, author, and even symphony conductor. Featuring archival footage and interviews, this documentary uncovers the multifaceted talent of Shari Lewis, including her work as a feminist, philosopher, and visionary in children’s television. Sesame Street’s Megan Piphus Peace provides a generational perspective on Shari Lewis’ enduring influence and creative genius.

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

In the last 10-20 years, attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people in America have shifted due to more positive visibility and evolving cultural norms. Cynthia takes a look at two moments from 1970s television that revealed glimpses of LGBTQ+ allyship—a talk show moment and a 1974 episode of Police Woman.

In 1970, June Lockhart appeared on The Virginia Graham Show and stopped the hostess in her tracks, pushing back on stereotypes and tropes common for the time. And the story of how a 54-year-old clip is available for viewing is its own testament to advocacy. LGBTQ+ scholar and media documentarian Steven Capsuto's book, Alternate Channels, helped Cynthia connect the June Lockhart dot to an episode of Police Woman.

Capsuto's book is an essential work for every media, gender, and social justice scholar. He traces television and even radio's early depiction of mostly gay characters and the absence of lesbians. His book also details the LGBTQ+ community's organization and support from straight allies that fought against distorted and ugly depictions of gay and lesbian characters in television and film for more than 75 years.

The overall trend in American society has been toward greater understanding and support for LGBTQ+ people and this is, to a significant degree, the result of advocates and allies pushing for more positive and diverse characterizations in popular culture. Television largely ignored lesbians until the 1970s and even then, the characters were bitter, violent, and unstable. With just a few sentences, June Lockhart, in real life, and Angie Dickinson, as Sgt. Pepper Anderson, showed viewers the power of LGBTQ+ allyship.

STEVEN CAPSUTO Website - http://alternatechannels.net/

Alternate Channels, 20th Anniversary Revised Edition (2020) by Steven Capsuto http://alternatechannels.net/book/

MENTIONS June Lockhart, Virginia Graham, Angie Dickinson, Rev. Troy Perry, Art Metrano, Donna Mills, Lois Nettleton, Randy Wicker, Judy Garland, Meet Me in St. Louis, Lassie, Lost in Space, Petticoat Junction, General Hospital, Quincy M.E., Police Woman, The Bold Ones, Medical Center, Charlie's Angels, Cagney & Lacey, The Kinsey Report, Stonewall, HIV/AIDS, Metropolitan Community Church

CLIPS The Virginia Graham Show, with June Lockhart and Rev. Troy Perry (1970) https://youtu.be/Xm2q-F6FdoY?si=35Z6kF8pN4rQotjd

Police Woman, Flowers of Evil, S1E8 (1974) https://youtu.be/o6oBmnhsblA?si=U-_5nIvhYSQyLLPo

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

"One look comparing TV from the early part of the 80s to the latter years reveals A LOT of change - technology, sophistication and subject matter most immediately come to mind," Cynthia observes.

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams loves to talk TV. "I really enjoy every exchange with Susan [Lambert] and Sharon [Johnson], otherwise known as the 80s TV Ladies. When their podcast, 80s TV Ladies, launched, they invited me to be a guest. It was a blast and over the last two years, the two podcasts have furthered a shared exploration of how women have been represented on television."

Cynthia notes the impact that representation has had on society as a whole and females, of all ages, in particular. Like Advanced TV Herstory, The 80s TV Ladies podcast features interviews and analyzes the work of women and men both in front of and behind the camera.

As podcasters, Susan and Sharon aim to help listeners understand how culture shapes television shows we watch and, in turn, how those shows shape our culture. Listen in on this engaging and informative look behind the scenes as we discuss the motivations, joys, and challenges of creating podcasts that highlight the contributions of women in television.

80s TV LADIES Contacts

Website – 80s TV Ladies - https://www.80stvladies.com/

Website – 134 West - https://134west.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/80sTVLadies/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/80stvladies/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@80stvladies

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/80sTVLadies Awards 2024 Women in Podcasting, Nominee in Entertainment –

MENTIONS

Podcast Episodes 80s TV Ladies (24 May 2023) – Advanced TV Herstory w/ Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Part One - https://www.80stvladies.com/episode/episode-201-welcome-to-season-2-advanced-tv-herstory-w-cynthia-bemis-abram-part-1

80s TV Ladies (31 May 2023) – Advanced TV Herstory w/ Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Part Two - https://www.80stvladies.com/episode/episode-202-advanced-tv-herstory-aw-cynthia-bemis-abrams-part-two

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus (11 Apr 2023) – Jane Fonda on Female Friendships - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jane-fonda-on-female-friendships/id1678559416?i=1000608248297

Shows

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cagney and Lacey, China Beach, Designing Women, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Grey's Anatomy, Lou Grant, My So-Called Life, Murphy Brown, Remington Steele, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King

People

Annie Potts, Barney Rosenzweig, Diane English, Eilish Zebrasky, Eugenie Ross-Leming, Geena Davis, Jean Smart, Juanita Bartlett, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Melissa Roth, Neema Barnette, Sergio Perez, Sharon Gless, Shonda Rhimes, Stephanie Zimbalist, and Tyne Daly

Books

Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women by Susan Faludi - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backlash:_The_Undeclared_War_Against_American_Women

Lou Grant: The Making of TV's Top Newspaper Drama by Douglass K. Daniel – https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/288376.Douglass_K_Daniel

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Welcome to this anniversary episode of Advanced TV Herstory which is our annual chance to reflect on past highlights and share vision. Join Cynthia Bemis Abrams as she reflects on a decade of podcasting, noting the journey, and growth that led the mission of connecting the dots between feminism, TV, and American culture.

In This Episode

1. Podcast Evolution: Explore how Advanced TV Herstory has evolved over the years, and why this work is more crucial now than ever.
2. Listener Feedback: We're eager to hear from you! Let us know how we can improve.
3. Celebrating Milestones: A look back at some of the most impactful episodes and TV moments that have shaped our understanding of feminism and culture.
4. Future Vision: What’s next for Advanced TV Herstory? Discover our renewed commitment to providing a quality, fact-based podcast experience.
5. Newsletter Promotion: Learn about our ad-free monthly newsletter offering exclusive content and reading recommendations.

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/