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Connect the dots of TV and feminism to American culture and politics with host Cynthia Bemis Abrams. Interviews with top names - in front of and behind the scenes - offer insights into TV that has shaped American culture and influenced the world. Check out episodes with actors Annie Potts, Margaret Cho, Stepfanie Kramer of Hunter, Kim Fields of Facts of Life and Living Single, and daytime's Cady McClain.  Television veteran writers Georgia Jeffries, Victoria Riskin and April Smith are featured in episodes that explain storytelling as a writing craft. These discussions will forever change how you watch TV. Explore issues of race through interviews with academics Robin Means-Coleman and Charlene Regester, and influencer Karly Beaumont. Ever since the #MeToo Movement of 2017-18, Cynthia has highlighted key episodes and events surrounding sexual harassment - fictional and real life.  With listeners around the world, Cynthia celebrates the progress of representation in media and captures the stories and insights that make TV a powerful storyteller and mirror of truth. In 2025, Cynthia started revealing more about the book she and a colleague are writing. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.tvherstory.com. Promise,  your data will never be sold.
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  2. Original Media Influencer: Eleanor Roosevelt

Original Media Influencer: Eleanor Roosevelt

Feb 6, 2025

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, detailing the evolution of Roosevelt’s on-screen presence and her pioneering role as a media influencer.


Podcast Episode Plot Summary

Eleanor Roosevelt’s impact on early television was groundbreaking. Stemming from Roosevelt's popular writings and radio presence, she redefined how public figures connected with audiences. Cynthia and Angela discuss Roosevelt’s pioneering of television public affairs programming as host of shows with major guests, and remaining a worldwide cultural icon following World War II . 

Key topics include:
  • Roosevelt’s transition from radio to television and the significance of her “My Day” column
  • Television appearances on Meet the Press, Prospects of Mankind, and Today with Mrs. Roosevelt
  • Her candid views on political figures like JFK and Richard Nixon and how those views influenced public discourse
  • Behind-the-scenes details from her 1950s public affairs shows, from set designs to guest curation
Episode Life Lessons:
  • Leadership through visibility: Eleanor Roosevelt used media as a tool for public service and advocacy.
  • Persistence breaks barriers: Roosevelt’s transition from radio to television set a standard for women in public discourse.
  • Cultural legacy matters: Media coverage can preserve and extend a public figure’s influence across generations.
Referenced Shows and Networks:
  • Meet the Press
  • Prospects of Mankind (1959–1962)
  • Mrs. Roosevelt Meets the Public (1950–1951)
  • Today with Mrs. Roosevelt (1950)
Related Episodes:
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/

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