Assignment:
Interview two people:
First, interview someone in their 70s or 80s - someone who likes to talk - and ask them questions about their mass media experiences during the last century (1920s and on).
Notice that no apostrophe is used for the decades (70s, 20s, etc.)
If you don't have a family member or other acquaintance in this age bracket, there are plenty of retirement communities/nursing homes in the SNHU/Manchester area filled who people who would love to talk to you.
Next, interview someone in their late 40s to late 50s. It can even be one of your parents!
These interviews must be done in person (best way) or on the phone, Face Time or Skype. Do not do this via text or email. Have an actual conversation with the interviewee.
You can use the questions below as a starting point.
Sound recording (records, tapes, CD, mp3):
• What records did you listen to? Who was your favorite recording star?
• Who were the teen idols back then?
• What kind of record player did you have? Was it your own or shared with family?
• Was there any kind of music you weren't supposed to listen to? Why?
• Were you allowed to play music whenever you wanted or were there parental limitations?
• How much did a record cost?
• Where did you buy them?
• When did you start buying CDs instead? Did you ever have cassette or 8-track?
• How did you find out about the artists you listened to?
Radio:
• What do you remember about your experiences with radio?
• What kinds of programs did you listen to? (entertainment, music, talk, etc.)
• When were they on?
• Why did you like them?
• Do you remember anything about the early radio commercials?
• Do you remember any public concern about radio commercials?
• Do you remember any educational radio programs?
• What if any technical problems did you experience with your radio?
• Do you have some specific memories (good or bad) about listening to the radio?
• What was it like when FM radio became available?
Television/Cable:
• What was it like when TV became available?
• Where did you watch your first TV programs and what was the experience like?
• How much did your family's first TV cost (senior citizens)?
• What was reception like?
• What was a typical family viewing session like?
• How did TV change home life?
• What do you remember about the corporate sponsors of TV shows?
• Do you remember the quiz show scandals?
• What do you remember about the first 30-seocnd TV commercials?
• How does your television experiences in the 1950s compare with your TV experiences now?
• Did you decide to get cable or satellite TV? What factors went into this decision?
• Did you or your siblings have a TV in the bedroom (parents)?
Movies:
• What were your first movie-going experiences like and how are they different from today?
• What were some of your favorite films growing up and why?
• Do you remember anything about Al Jolson and the first talkies (senior citizens)?
• Do you remember the introduction of new technologies like Dolby sound or "Sensurround?"
• What was your first "R-rated" movie experience?
• Do you remember the excitement surrounding the release of Gone With the Wind (senior citizens)?
• Do you remember anything about the release of Star Wars (parents)?
• Were there films your parents forbid you to see? What were they and why were you not allowed to see them?
• What films were the most influential for you?