Description
An early innovator in radio and television advertising, the J. Walter Thompson Company developed a leading edge in program
production in both media. The collection consists of scripts and production material for television variety specials such
as the Academy Awards (1966-68 and 1970-71), America's Junior Miss (1983), Country Music Awards (1982), and the Golden Globe
Awards (1981).
Background
An early innovator in radio and television advertising, the J. Walter Thompson Company quickly developed a leading edge in
program production in both media. The company launched its Radio Department in 1927, then re-organized it as the Radio-Television-
Film Department in 1955, with a focus on the emerging television market. JWT claimed credit for producing the first commercial
TV program in 1930, and was the first agency to develop and maintain an in-house television workshop for pre-testing ideas,
effects, and scripts; screen-testing new talent; and previewing commercials and programs for client approval. Biography
Extent
2.5 linear ft.
(6 boxes)
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UC Regents. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the
creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright
owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
Open for research. STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library
Special Collections for paging information.