Blacklisting in Radio and Television
In June 1950, three former FBI agents who had created American Business Consultants, a vigilante organization to combat communism, issued Red Channels, a booklet listing 151 people connected with the broadcasting industry whom they suspected of subversive activities. The publication listed organizations and activities with which each individual had “reported” associations. Along with in-house private lists, Red Channels was adopted by the radio and television industries as a blacklist to deny employment to those named.
In June 1950, three former FBI agents who had created American Business Consultants, a vigilante organization to combat communism, issued <em>Red Channels,</em> a booklet listing 151 people connected with the broadcasting industry whom they suspected of subversive activities. The publication listed organizations and activities with which each individual had “reported” associations. Along with in-house private lists, <em>Red Channels</em> was adopted by the radio and television industries as a blacklist to deny employment to those named.