Variety's Historic 120-Year TV Coverage

For over a century, a leading entertainment trade publication has documented the rise of the television medium. The coverage began as the industry itself was taking its first steps out of the radio infrastructure of the late 1920s and early 1930s.

At the time, the concept was so new that it was often referred to as radio movies. The historical record shows that the first instance of the word television appeared in print on January 12, 1927.

Since those early days, the publication has maintained a continuous watch over the television business. This includes tracking the development of programming that would eventually become cultural touchstones. The archive serves as a timeline of the medium's history, capturing the transition from experimental broadcasts to the modern era of streaming and digital content.

The history of television coverage began long before it became a household staple. In the late 1920s, the medium was emerging from existing radio technology. Early reports described the visual broadcast capability as radio movies, highlighting its direct lineage to audio-only broadcasting.

A significant milestone occurred on January 12, 1927. On this date, the publication officially used the term television for the first time. This linguistic shift marked the beginning of a new era in media history. The initial coverage focused on explaining the technical aspects and potential of this new form of communication.

As the technology evolved through the 1930s, the coverage expanded to include all facets of the growing industry. This comprehensive approach established a foundation for decades of reporting on the business of entertainment.

Over the course of 120 years, the documentation of television has included a vast array of programming. The historical record highlights several specific shows that defined their respective eras. These programs represent key moments in the evolution of television storytelling and production.

Among the most notable titles covered are:

• I Love Lucy - A pioneering sitcom from the 1950s.
• Star Trek - A foundational science fiction series that began in the 1960s.
• Square Pegs - A 1980s teen comedy series.
• The Golden Girls - A highly successful sitcom from the 1980s.
• Freaks and Geeks - A cult classic from the late 1990s.

These shows illustrate the breadth of content that has been part of the television landscape. The coverage of such a diverse range of programming reflects the changing tastes and technological capabilities of the medium over the decades.

The television business has undergone radical changes since its inception. The initial focus on the technical emergence from radio infrastructure gave way to a complex industry involving production, distribution, and advertising. The historical documentation tracks this evolution in detail.

From the first flickers of black-and-white images to the full-color, high-definition broadcasts of today, the industry has constantly adapted. The coverage has followed these shifts, providing insight into how business models and audience engagement strategies have transformed. The journey from radio movies to on-demand streaming represents a massive technological and cultural shift.

This long-term perspective offers a unique view into the resilience and adaptability of the television medium. By recording every aspect of the business, the historical archive provides a complete picture of how television became the dominant form of home entertainment.