Television from a third coast: a history of Nashville Network and syndicated television production, 1950-1983

This study examined the history of Nashville television production as it contributed to television programming on a national and regional level. Production activity encompassed those programs for airing on broadcast or cable networks and for syndication. The study defines Nashville as a major production center in terms of the range of program content produced, the primary companies and individuals involved in that effort, and the factors that influenced its development. The main sources for this historical study included company newsletters, news releases, promotional material and memorandum; interviews with individuals involved; and newspaper and periodical reports. The study found Nashville's country music broadcast and recording industry the primary factor that shaped the nature of the television efforts taking place there. As National Life's WSM with its "Grand Ole Opry" radio show first influenced the development of the country music industry, so did it play the most important role in the development of television production activity. As a niche television production center, Nashville has maintained a leading role in country music television.