Frequently it is suggested that the 'golden age' of television was during the period 1950-1960. It is true that television almost ruined Hollywood's fortunes during this period. But if this was the authentic golden age, then it was an age of black and white, somewhat limited creativity, poor reception, lack of competition (except in the United States) and - by and large - public service broadcasting. However, if we take 1950 as a generic 'starting point' for modern television broadcasting, then we talk about a kind of prehistoric stage of the medium - in which it remained for the best part of...