Head WEST, young man: Weigel announces new multicast network

Genre staples Gunsmoke, Bonanza are the centerpiece of western-themed channel  Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting announced another new multicast network – this time devoted to the Western genre, simply called “WEST” in capital letters. The western was a huge staple in the early days of television. In 1961, for example, four of television’s top ten highest-rated shows were westerns. The genre sputtered […]

TCA: PBS and "The Pioneers of Television"

It was PBS’ turn at the mic at the annual TCA Press tour on Thursday, which focused mainly on the second edition of their miniseries Pioneers of Television, whose panel of classic TV stars featured two Chicago natives: Robert Conrad (Wild, Wild West, Black Sheep Squadron) Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek), who hails from southwest suburban Robbins. The panel also featured […]