Chapter One: "Everyone's Child" as a defining moment in television news Activity 1. Interview a grandparent, great-grandparent, or any older friend or relative who can remember life prior to 1949. How did they get their news? Radio? Morning and/or evening newspaper? Newsreels at the movie theaters? Do they remember the first time they saw television? When did they buy one? Was there a local big story -- like Kathy Fiscus -- that drew people to their TV sets? Activity 2. Have a television-free day, but the teacher should tape a newscast from that day for later use. Use alternative sources of information to find out the news of the day, including the latest sports scores and the weather report. How do your choices compare with those available in 1949? Now watch the taped newscast. Is there anything you missed because you didn't watch TV? Discuss. Activity 3. Go on the internet and check out the websites of the television stations in your community. When did they sign on the air? Did they have a newscast? (If the station does not post its history on its website, the teacher may wish to call the station for any educational materials that are available.) Activity 4. Click on the link to the Kathy Fiscus video and "early live shot" video. Compare these reports to the "live" reports you see on your local news. Activity 5. If you live in a city with a broadcasting museum (New York, Los Angeles or Chicago) plan a field trip. For more information, visit sitlr.com's Links area.