15. Conclusion

If it seems surprising that I have written so extensively on NewsRadio it is because I am adamant in my position that NewsRadio is the only television show that has ever been worthy of such extensive analysis. Some people may ask, ‘Why should we bother celebrating in posterity something that was made in a format that was always intended to be ephemeral?’ I answer that those who have no interest in the eternal and enduring power of art would not and should not be reading this. Let those who wish that film and television remain nothing more than fleeting entertainment keep to their ways. And we will let be those who choose to never be truly moved by a work of art. Some may also ask, ‘What makes NewsRadio so special? Haven’t there been some other great television shows that were much more popular?’ What NewsRadio communicates in its form and content is beyond rare — it is truly unique. By being sublimely and profoundly unique it becomes precious. There is much in the cinema and television that is good and worthwhile. I am not interested in the good and worthwhile. I care about the great and precious, and NewsRadio is such a thing. As Bill McNeal would say, to all those involved in giving us this masterpiece, "Kudos."