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This study provides a cultural-historical analysis of remote control in three stages. In the early 20th century, remote control first emerged as the extension of individual intention across geographic space. Later, remote control became articulated to shifting geopolitical contexts, which placed in tension the reliability and security of the connection between the individual and the outcome. In more recent years, remote control has been articulated as both a geopolitical threat and a domestic blessing. As a result, this study demonstrates the complexity of the concept of remote control and the utility of a cultural historical approach for understanding the mutual constitution of technologies and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mid-1950s newspapers were the primary source of news for most Americans. By the 1970s television had taken over as the primary source of news. Through a thematic analysis of Nieman Reports and Editor & Publisher from 1954 to 1974, this study examines how newspaper industry representatives characterized television news and how they planned to remain relevant during a time of media transition. This study provides some of the historical context necessary to better understand the arguments and assumptions made by the newspaper industry today as they face the competition posed by Internet-enabled communications technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]