This was Television on April 22
1954: The Army-McCarthy hearings commence
A critical moment in 20th century American politics was also the first congressional inquiry to be televised nationally. The expedition by Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) to root out communism in every corner of American government culminated in these nearly two months of hearings and accusations between the senator and representatives of the U.S. Army. ABC and the DuMont Network aired the entire proceedings, which helped reveal the full breadth of McCarthy’s demagoguery and contributed to the end of his power and prominence. -A.D.
Today’s Birthdays: Francis Capra, hoodlum (30); Sheryl Lee, Twin Peaksian (46); Ken Olandt, cop (55); Charlotte Rae, den mother (87); Christopher Sabat, voice actor (40); Sherri Shepherd, host (46); Aaron Spelling, producer (d. 2006); Ryan Stiles, improviser (54).
This Was Television 
Add Your Thoughts