Station Identification: Confessions of a Video Kid

The unique memoir of one man’s life-long relationship with TV, from childhood with Howdy Doody to the heartbreaking decision to get rid of his set.   In 1980, author and professor Donald Bowie was in his thirties and about to give up the most enduring relationship in his life—his television set. In Station Identification, he recounts his long and strange friendship with TV from the unrestrained naughtiness of Howdy Doody to the last episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Over the years, TV becomes his family, his friends, his classroom, and, ultimately, his undoing.   Grappling with the urges of puberty, what seems confusing in life is easily understood while watching Elly May Clampett on The Beverly Hillbillies. Years later, after a wonderful night on the town, Donald brings his date home to watch a rerun of The Honeymooners—something close to having her meet the folks. From his suspicions of snobbery among the Sesame Street gang to his observations of the first made-for-TV president, John F. Kennedy, Donald offers a witty portrait of life in the warm glow of his most constant companion.