Remember When Primetime TV Programs ...

[tv star collector]

... on all three networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) began at 7:30 p.m. (ET)? That was Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, prime-time began at 7:00 p.m. That was the case from the 1950s until the 1970-'71 season. Then, beginning in the fall of 1971, the FCC ruled that the television networks had to give an extra half-hour to local TV stations (from 7:30-8:00 p.m.). The hope was that the
local stations would use that time for community affairs and educational shows. What usually happened, though, was the stations filled the time with old network sitcoms that were now in syndication. Eventually, it led to the creation of new "magazine"-type programs, such as PM Magazine (a part-local, part national series that ran from 1978 to 1990) and Entertainment Tonight (1981 to the present). Not saying the TV landscape is better or worse for it; just an observation as to how TV programming has changed over the years. Of course, it made it easier for the networks, having a weekly total of three less hours to fill (not counting a half-hour on Sunday).

[icecream]

I've often wondered why Sunday has an extra hour of primetime than the other nights.

[James]

Originally Posted by tv star collector

Eventually, it led to the creation of new "magazine"-type programs, such as PM Magazine (a part-local, part national series that ran from 1978 to 1990) and Entertainment Tonight (1981 to the present).

And Jeopardy!, as is the case here in Dayton! It starts at 7:30 on WDTN 2.

[Regulus]

When the FCC made the networks give up a 1/2 hour of programming to their Local Affiliates at first the 7:00 - 8:00 Slot had some decent Family Programming on it. (Some of the Programs I remember were Primus, Salty and a Rankin-Bass Animated Series that had Cartoons based on Literary Classics such as Hiawatha, 20,000 Leagues Beneath The Sea etc. But those were soon replaced by Game Shows and "Magazine" Shows, or extended Newscasts.