1952: Television is very popular. In fact, 42% of American households own a television set. In the United States, color television is introduced. There are four major networks.

Today: At least one television can be found in nearly every American home. With the advent of cable and satellite television, there are hundreds of networks available. The average citizen can gain access to the television medium through public access programming.

1952: Numerous countries in the world place restrictions on media and their ability to gather information.

Today: The Internet and cable television changes the way people get news and information from around the world.

1952: While the American economy is very strong, many countries, including France, suffer from severe inflation and relatively weak economies.

Today: While the American economy is very strong, the economies of many other countries in the world, especially in Asia, are weakening.