Robert Allen addresses popular culture and televised series in this episode of Soundings. How many of us have not enjoyed soap operas on radio or TV, whether openly or secretly? Why do soap operas provoke violent attack and zealous defense? In addition to their contribution to the economic basis of American broadcasting, what cultural and aesthetic ends do soap operas serve?
At the time of this interview, Allen, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1986-87), was professor of radio, television, and motion pictures at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
