Media, Law & Policy
Robert Thompson
Newhouse School and University Professor Bob Thompson was recently featured on “NBC Nightly News” for his long-running lecture series that uses classic television to bridge generational divides and spark important conversation. The segment, produced by NBC’s Brian Cheung ’15—a University alumnus and University Scholar—highlights Thompson’s “Tuesdays with Bleier.”
For 18 years, this weekly gathering has brought together students, faculty and staff to watch and discuss unedited television broadcasts from decades past—from “Howdy Doody,” “The Flying Nun” and “The Brady Bunch,” to early YouTube clips. The weekly luncheon discussion explores how television has shaped and reflected American culture, while fostering intergenerational dialogue through shared media experiences.
NBC’s coverage emphasized the emotional and educational impact of the class. One student shared how a clip from “Howdy Doody” helped him connect with his grandmother, who was in the late stages of dementia. Another noted how the class gave her new ways to relate to her parents through pop culture references, while another brought his mom and dad to one of Thompson’s discussions.
Thompson told NBC, “If you want to understand the country we live in, you have to understand its presidencies, the wars its fought, its political parties. But you also have to understand its lawn ornaments, its love songs, and its sitcoms.”
Tuesday’s at Bleier take place in Thompson’s office in Newhouse 3, every Tuesday at noon, and are open to all.