Ever since he was young, Mel has had a fascination with television. Not only what comes out the front but what goes on behind the scenes. After a 30 year career as Executive Director of Operations for CBS, where he was responsible for all news gathering, news bureaus, and remote broadcasts, Mel enjoys sharing his passion for television while enjoying his second passion, cruising. Join him as he takes you behind the scenes at CBS and entertains you with his knowledge and experiences.

Everybody around the world loves Television! It's the single most important invention that has affected our lives and made the world smaller. We all grew up with that magic screen and have a fascination for what goes on in front as well as behind the scenes.
We will explore the history of television from the programs we all remember to the development of TV from black and white to color and high definition to how a TV Newscast is produced. My presentations will be enhanced through the use of entertaining videos.

EYE ON TELEVISION

In the Beginning: Part 1 – How it All Began…With Me!
Mel Olinsky will share his journey from building his first crystal radio to becoming an executive at CBS News. We will continue his journey through the early days of television and look at some early programming like Howdy Doody, Rootie Kazootie, and Winky Dink and You, as well as Ed Sullivan, Jack Benny, and I Remember Mama.

In the Beginning: Part 2 – The History of Television
Take a journey through the history of television. Who invented television? We will look at the progress that was made from that first black and white television to the 77” flat screen on your wall today. Mel Olinsky will share major milestones along the way including color tv, the remote, and the home recorder.

And That’s the Way it Is
Did you ever wonder what it takes to produce a network newscast? Let’s go through a typical day as a TV network produces a newscast. Included will be video of an actual broadcast with the director cues, so you can experience being in the control room.

New Technology
Let’s talk about the many advances in technology that have changed the way broadcasters produce programming. Major milestones include video recorders, microwaves, satellites, and bonded cellular. Broadcasters can bring you live events from anywhere in the world. Find out how it’s done.

Major Events – Breaking News!
How are major news events covered? A container ship crashes into a bridge in Baltimore, an entire town burned in Maui, etc., what are the logistics of covering large events?

Touchdown! Slam Dunk! – Producing Major Sporting Events
March Madness and the Super Bowl are huge television events. The Super Bowl is a billion-dollar business with over a hundred million viewers. Mel Olinsky will take you behind the scenes of the Super Bowl and show you how the biggest event is produced.

The Future of Television
How has cable and satellite television changed over the last decade? What is the relationship of local stations to the network, and how is streaming changing the way we get our content? Will artificial intelligence replace the news anchor? How can you tell what’s real?

I recently presented on a Windstar Transatlantic Cruise and received outstanding reviews from the passengers and hotel Director. One Passenger said that I was the best speaker he had in 13 cruises!
I just returned from the Discovery Princess where I gave several presentations. Many passengers told me I that I was the highlight of their cruise.
Another great assignment on the Azamara Pursuit, An amazing ship and crew and terrific passengers. I did 8 presentations to a full house.

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.