30 Minutes

1 9 7 8 – 1 9 8 2 (USA)
30 minute episodes

This hard-hitting magazine documentary series for youth was every bit as aggressive and thorough as its source of inspiration, CBS’s long-running nighttime hit 60 Minutes.

Reporters pulled no punches in being frank with controversial issues. Among the topics covered were life for teenagers in prison, censorship of a high school play performance, drug addiction, teenage homosexuality, anorexia nervosa, school vandalism, runaways, and children of alcoholic parents.

Some lighter features did pop up, like a behind-the-scenes visit to Mad magazine and a profile of singing idol Shaun Cassidy.

Another regular feature (“Who’s Right?”) starred Patricia McGuire, Assistant Director of the Street Law Program in Washington DC, explaining answers to tricky legal questions such as “Can principals search students’ lockers?”

The series, which was taped in New York City, lasted four years despite unimpressive ratings.

Presenters
Christopher Glenn
Betsy Aaron
Betty Ann Bowser
Patricia McGuire