Today Ken welcomes the authors of the new book Fade Up: 26 The Movers and Shakers of Variety Television Steve Binder and Dr. Mary Beth Leidman. First up Ken speaks with producer/director Steve Binder. Ken and Steve discuss proper pronunciations, Col. Tom Parker, KABC TV LA, going from the mail room to the control room, Soupy Sales, Vampira, the timelessness of television, preserving the past, loving Lucy, the talent, Variety Shows, The T.A.M.I. show, music on TV, "Elvis" the 1968 special, happy accidents, breaking the color barrier with Harry Belafonte and Petula Clark, Ernie Kovaks, Edie Adams, The Rolling Stone 10th Anniversary Special, Patti LaBelle and Cyndi Lauper, knowing how to step back, Steve Alan, Pee Wee's Christmas Special and capturing an undiscovered generation and their worth ethic. Next up Ken speaks with broadcaster and educator Dr. Marty Beth Leidman. Ken and Mary Beth discuss academia vs. Hollywood, audience engagement, shared experience, loving television from birth, new technology, narrow casting vs. broadcasting, late night TV, the definition of variety shows, Saturday Night Live and not understanding the Walking Dead.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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