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Some call today’s digital media the “attention economy.”  But before the arrival of TikTok or Instagram, the local news captured our attention. 

A new documentary looks at what some now call the “golden age” of Minnesota's broadcast news on channels 4, 5 and 11 — and what made it such a riveting time. 

Daniel Bergin is the co-producer of the film along with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer, who is the narrator. 

“The journalism was top notch, the technology was emerging and evolving in a way that really allowed for some nimble producing and reporting,” Bergin said. “And then the ratings were driving it as a really solid business.”

The film traces this fierce ratings battle from the 1960s to the 1980s between the Twin Cities broadcast giants: KSTP, WCCO, WTCN (now KARE).

But for all the time and history that it covers, the documentary is ultimately about the people behind the scenes.

“That really is what makes the film work — it is these intimate, candid conversations.”

To hear the full interview with Daniel Bergin, click play on the audio player above. 

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A new documentary looks at what some now call the “golden age” of Minnesota's broadcast news on channels 4, 5 and 11 — and what made it such a riveting time.

Some call today's digital media the "attention economy."  But before the arrival of TikTok or Instagram, the local news captured our attention. A new documentary looks at what some now call the "golden age" of Minnesota's broadcast news on channels 4, 5 and 11 — and what made it such a riveting time. Daniel Bergin, co-executive producer, talked more about the film with MPR News host Tom Crann.

'Broadcast Wars': New documentary looks at the heyday of Minnesota broadcast news

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