TVTV (video collective)

TVTV (Top Value Television) was a pioneering American video collective active primarily during the 1970s. Formed in 1972, the group consisted of a shifting roster of artists, including Michael Shamberg, Allen Rucker, Megan Williams, Hudson Marquez, Skip Blumberg, and Wendy Appel. They were known for their innovative use of portable video technology, particularly the Sony Portapak, to create alternative news and documentary-style programming.

TVTV aimed to provide a more democratic and participatory form of media than traditional television networks. They covered a wide range of subjects, often focusing on counter-cultural events, political happenings, and everyday life in America. Some of their most notable projects included coverage of the 1972 Republican and Democratic National Conventions ("Four More Years" and "The Democratic Convention Tapes," respectively), a behind-the-scenes look at the Saturday Night Live launch ("TVTV Looks at Saturday Night"), and explorations of American subcultures.

The collective's style was characterized by its raw, unedited aesthetic, its use of direct cinema techniques, and its emphasis on capturing the perspectives of ordinary people. They often employed humor and satire in their work, challenging the conventions of broadcast journalism and exploring the potential of video as a tool for social commentary.

TVTV's work has been recognized for its influence on the development of independent video, alternative media, and reality television. Their experiments with portable video technology and participatory filmmaking helped to pave the way for the rise of citizen journalism and the democratization of media production. Although the original collective disbanded in the late 1970s, their legacy continues to inspire artists and media activists today.