Alessandro Balteo Yazbeck and Media Farzin Analyze Cold War Media Manipulation in 1950s TV Program

Alessandro Balteo Yazbeck and Media Farzin published an article on February 5, 2012, examining the Longines Chronoscope television news program that aired from 1951 to 1955. Their work, titled "Screen Play: Chronoscope, 1951, 11pm," presents a collaged conversation that edits and recontextualizes transcripts from the show to highlight its role in shaping Cold War discourse. The analysis focuses specifically on international politics concerning Iran during that period. By manipulating the original dialogue, the authors demonstrate how the program functioned as a tool for manufacturing consent. This edited transcription reveals the program's significance as a precursor to contemporary infotainment formats. The article positions Longines Chronoscope as a sounding board for Cold War ideologies. Full access to the content is available through MIT Press. The work was published on ARTMargins Online, providing critical examination of historical media practices.