From Whistle Stop to Sound Bite: Four Decades of Politics and Television

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Sig Mickelson, former president of CBS News and pioneer in television coverage of political events, gives an eyewitness account of Television's complicated interaction with the U.S. political system. From Whistle Stop to Sound Bite explores the origins of the relationship between television and politics and offers an analysis of the factors that led to the decline of substance in the political campaign. With a fine eye for detail and many years of political coverage experience behind him, Mickelson probes four decades of TV history and defines the changes that this new media has wrought on the political scene. Television and politics would seem to have been made for each other, Sig Mickelson was there as a major figure at their first meeting. It might be said he introduced them. Here is his carefully documented account of their frequently stormy courtship--and his cogent analysis of the flaws and dangers in the unbreakable marriage. The book is fascinating, profound, and important. Walter Cronkite a superb and useful study that substantially informs our understanding of the role of television and modern politics. Everette E. Dennis an important book--filled with insight, wisdom, and value. Newton Minnow Sig Mickelson, former president of CBS News and pioneer in television coverage of political events, gives an eyewitness account of television's complicated interation with the U.S. political system. From Whistle Stop to Sound Bite explores the origins of the relationship between television and politics and offers an analysis of the factors that led to the decline of substance in the political campaign. With a fine eye for detail and many years of political coverage experience behind him, Mickelson probes four decades of TV history and defines the changes that this new media has wrought on the political scene: bright hopes for debate that were dimmed as candidates took control of the media machinery; the weakening of the party structure as television, rather than the party, became the candidate's link with the public; and the decline of the convention. Mickelson recounts events from the days of early television when the fledgling medium was testing the political waters, eventually opting for full immersion. By placing the origins of television's relationships with politics and politicians under close surveillance, writes Mickelson, we may equip ourselves with better tools to assess the merits and weaknesses of the present system and to better analyze proposed remedial measures. Professional and student journalists, communications specialists, political managers, candidates and potential candidates as well as the general reader interested in television and politics will find valuable information here about television's indelible mark on the U.S. political system.

Reviews

," . . a superb and useful study that substantially informs our understanding of the role of television in modern politics."-Everette E. Dennis Gannett Center for Media Studies Columbia University
"Sig Mickelson has a unique understanding of the intersection of television and politics. His perspective, based on many years of experience as a top-notch television journalist and executive, has singular depth and breadth. Sig has written an important book--filled with insight, wisdom, and value."-Newton N. Minow Former Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
"Television and politics would seem to have been made for each other. Sig Mickelson was there as a major figure at their first meeting. It might be said he introduced them. Here is his carefully documented account of their frequently stormy courtship--and his cogent analysis of the flaws and dangers in their unbreakable marriage. The book is fascinating, profound, and important."-Walter Cronkite
.,."he is a thoughtful observer of the process over the decades, and it is this wisdom and clarity that make this book so useful. It would make an excellent companion book in a course in political communication, for its freshness of viewpoint and topical significance."-Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
...he is a thoughtful observer of the process over the decades, and it is this wisdom and clarity that make this book so useful. It would make an excellent companion book in a course in political communication, for its freshness of viewpoint and topical significance.-Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
He was a major figure in the television industry and tells us, firsthand, about how television started getting involved with the political process. He is a wonderful raconteur, and his book is an extremely lively and fascinating one. But he is also a critic and comes to disturbing conclusions about the impact television is having on politics. He believes that communication tools are neutral and how we use them crucial. On the other hand, he mentions that television is brilliantly effective in delivering images and symbols' but often strikes out when it tries to deliver information. How can this medium be expected, then, to function effectively as an information delivery system and help people make rational decisions about candidates-American Political Science Review
Sig Mickelson, the first president of CBS News, offers his personal account of the rise of television as the crucial elements in modern political campaigns. In 1952 he organized and directed the first major effort by television to cover a political campaign, the Eisenhower-Stevenson campaign for the presidency. This campaign deserves more study, as it launched the modern era of television politics. Mickleson points out that Stevenson went from being a relatively unknown midwestern governor to a viable national candidate for the presidency largely on the strength of television. Mickelson's book is essentially a personal view backed up by some reasearch, and as such it has some gaps, but on the whole it is a valuable contribution to the study of the rise of television in politics and deserves serious consideration.-Journalism Quarterly
The idea that television has influenced the political process is not a new one; however, in light of its historical context, From Whistle Stop to Sound Bite illustrates the dramatic changes that have taken place in political methodology as a result of the technological advances made in television production. Examining the union of politics and television from Dewey's 1950 campaign for governor of New York to the appearance of political consultants and 'spin doctors' in more recent years, Mickelson uses personal experience and chronicles to provide support for his central idea; whether in part, or whole, television is a significant contributor to changes in the political process.-Quarterly Review of Doublespeak
..."he is a thoughtful observer of the process over the decades, and it is this wisdom and clarity that make this book so useful. It would make an excellent companion book in a course in political communication, for its freshness of viewpoint and topical significance."-Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
"He was a major figure in the television industry and tells us, firsthand, about how television started getting involved with the political process. He is a wonderful raconteur, and his book is an extremely lively and fascinating one. But he is also a critic and comes to disturbing conclusions about the impact television is having on politics. He believes that communication tools are neutral and how we use them crucial. On the other hand, he mentions that television is brilliantly effective in delivering images and symbols' but often strikes out when it tries to deliver information. How can this medium be expected, then, to function effectively as an information delivery system and help people make rational decisions about candidates"-American Political Science Review
"The idea that television has influenced the political process is not a new one; however, in light of its historical context, From Whistle Stop to Sound Bite illustrates the dramatic changes that have taken place in political methodology as a result of the technological advances made in television production. Examining the union of politics and television from Dewey's 1950 campaign for governor of New York to the appearance of political consultants and 'spin doctors' in more recent years, Mickelson uses personal experience and chronicles to provide support for his central idea; whether in part, or whole, television is a significant contributor to changes in the political process."-Quarterly Review of Doublespeak
"Sig Mickelson, the first president of CBS News, offers his personal account of the rise of television as the crucial elements in modern political campaigns. In 1952 he organized and directed the first major effort by television to cover a political campaign, the Eisenhower-Stevenson campaign for the presidency. This campaign deserves more study, as it launched the modern era of television politics. Mickleson points out that Stevenson went from being a relatively unknown midwestern governor to a viable national candidate for the presidency largely on the strength of television. Mickelson's book is essentially a personal view backed up by some reasearch, and as such it has some gaps, but on the whole it is a valuable contribution to the study of the rise of television in politics and deserves serious consideration."-Journalism Quarterly

Author Bio

SIG MICKELSON is VanDeerlin Professor of Communications at San Diego State University, and former President of CBS News. Mr. Mickelson was also President of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, Inc.