1980s: TV and Radio

The "big three" networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—continued to dominate American television in the 1980s, although their dominance was increasingly challenged by cable TV providers and by a fourth network, the FOX network, created in 1985. With their market share declining, the networks tried to offer more challenging fare and to expand their broadcast hours. In general, however, network programming remained safe and noncontroversial. The exception to this rule was Roseanne (1988–1997), a situation comedy (sitcom) about a working-class family that addressed issues of class, race, and sexuality. Along with Roseanne, the most popular shows of the decade were The Cosby Show (1984–92), Dallas (1978–91), Cheers (1982–93), Miami Vice (1984–89), Dynasty (1981–89), and Knots Landing (1979–93).

Cable television became an even more important influence on TV programming in the 1980s. The availability of telecommunications satellites made it possible for more cable channels to broadcast nationwide. More and more Americans gained access to cable programming during the decade. Cable programmers such as HBO, Showtime, The Movie Channel, ESPN, MTV, VH1, and many others offered increasing competition to the big three networks. CNN revolutionized TV news broadcasting beginning in 1980 when it began offering news coverage twenty-four hours a day. By the end of the decade, CNN was known for being first on the scene at many major news events.

Radio remained a popular source of news and entertainment. In fact, a survey done in the 1980s revealed that 99 percent of American households owned a radio (as compared with 98 percent owning a television) and that the average American household had 5.5 radios, not including car radios. Thanks to their better sound quality, FM radio stations became the most popular in the 1980s. Many cities had FM stations that offered every possible variety of music, from jazz to classical, rock and roll to country. Increasingly, AM stations offered "talk shows." These shows tended to become polarized along political lines during the 1980s. Conservative talkshow host Rush Limbaugh (c. 1951–) got his start in the 1980s. The more liberal National Public Radio (NPR) was the single most successful national radio network in the 1980s, reaching more Americans than any other network.