1980s Broadcasting History

The origin and history of local broadcasting is a dense, intriguing one that leads down many a rabbit hole. Starting with the development and utilization of coaxial cables in the 1980s, which began a new era where cable television reigned. The laying of these cables allowed for easier access to cable television across the country, that led to new forms of broadcasting, especially in the area of local television. Many cities around the country began to form their own independent operated-and-owned television stations where they created their own content and/or aired programs made by it’s citizens. This type of locally made, free-for-all content was called public access television. The 1980’s was an era where public access emerged and thrived, people from anywhere with any idea could buy air and studio time to make whatever show they wanted. There were also really no rules or regulations to what people could put on the air. For example, if someone wanted to make a show were there was blatant nudity it would be aired. However, not every public access program was akin to an LSD trip or displayed a naked couple in their jacuzzi. Many of these public access programs opened up a medium in which to discuss relevant, hot button topics. One such program was the Hot Seat with host Wally George, which was a talk show that aired in the 1980s Mondays through Fridays at 3:30 p.m on Orange County’s KDOC TV, channel 56.
Self-dubbed as “The wildest and most controversial talk show on television”, the Hot Seat depicted the right-wing conservative commenting on controversial topics and speaking with guests that disagreed with his