SEPTEMBER 16

Allen Funt was born on this date in 1914. He was the first to bring us reality TV. If it is currently driving you crazy or if it is your favorite form of programming, you can either blame him or thank him.

In 1946, he had a radio show on ABC Radio called Candid Microphone. As early as 1948, he produced television programs based on his candid microphone theme. From 1960 to 1967, he had a very successful run on network television with Candid Camera. I remember it as one of my favorites and one I belly-laughed at almost every episode. The show made other appearances in the 1970's and 1980's. His son reprised the show in the 1990's and as recently as 2001. I think its copycat show, Punk'd, still runs on MTV.
:D