1. Typed Letter Signed, Office of the Chairman of the FCC, and Signed Copy of the 'Television and the Public Interest' Speech from the 1961 Congressional Record. Washington, D.C. United States Government Printing Office, 1961.
6.75' x 9' one page, single-sided typewritten letter, Federal Communications Commission letterhead, FCC blindstamp, signed by FCC Chairman Newton N. Minow, dated August 22, 1961. Stapled to the letter is an 8.5' x 11' four page, double-sided copy of Minow's first major speech as FCC Chairman after being appointed by John F. Kennedy, printed in the 1961 Congressional Record, signed and inscribed by Minow at bottom of first page. The speech, 'Television and the Public Interest,' was addressed to the National Association of Broadcasters, and is famous for Minow's description of commercial television programming as a 'vast wasteland,' bemoaning the 'procession of game shows, formula comedies about totally unbelievable families, blood and thunder, mayhem, violence,' etc. while praising programs like The Twilight Zone and the variety specials by Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Very Good, a few small discolorations, two side binder holes. Item #250612
