With radical changes taking place in terrestrial television, this is a timely moment to revisit the decade when television's very novelty was its most striking feature. Small Screens, Big Ideas brings together specially commissioned writings from British and American contributors to explore themes of diversity in this formative period. Discussing television's role in the construction of national and gender identities and its relation to other media such as theatre, film and radio, Small Screens, Big Ideas offers fresh exploration, based in detailed case-studies, of this complex era. An essential book for all students of media, cultural studies and history.