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Preface I began working on this project over two years ago. Since that time, my ideas of the media and how I want to write about it have changed. I went into this project thinking that television is great, that the media is great, and that banal TV programming is only the result of a lack of talented writers. I still love television, but I no longer have very much faith in the media. A Village Voice writer once said that an episode of WKRP restored his faith in television; I feel that comment is misplaced, for the real hero is not the institution, but the small number of amazing individual actors, writers and producers who can rise above the economic restraints and illogical decisions of a media obsessed with maximum prOfits. WKRP in Cincinnati is an example of a program crafted by amazing individuals who were able to transcend the confines of their medium. It is not so much a matter of WKRP being socially significant-although it was-for a TV show does not have to enlighten or take an stand in order for it to be of value. However, a TV show must entertain-and not in just some mindless manner. It must be well written, it must have interesting, three-dimensional characters, and, in the case of a sitcom, it must be funny. WKRP accomplished all of these goals; thus, it is a sitcom that demands study. After reviewing the history of this show and talking with the caring and talented individuals involved in its production, I am convinced that quality television is a direct result of the talents' concern for details, accuracy, fairness, realism, and sincerity. While these concerns may not necessarily produce a hit, they will produce a quality program. More quality shows will ultimately lead to better television. Therefore, rather than attack the media for its problems, I chose to celebrate the work of those who achieve quality in a medium that often tends to do everything possible to thwart such efforts. Hopefully, students of the media will take the words and wisdom of these talented individuals to heart. Ultimately, these students may then go on to create a new era of quality television. I can think of few actors and writers who set a better example for quality television than those who were involved in WKRP. vii ...

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