Awards and Acclaim for When Wire Was King

“When Wire Was King is...a crucial history that should be required viewing for anyone who has ever texted or made a phone call.”
-Lisa Napoli, Author, Up All Night and Susan, Linda, Nina & Cokie
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“When Wire Was King is entertaining, but more importantly, an honest portrayal of how our telecommunications industry came to be.”
- Dick Green, former Head, Cable Labs Board Member, Liberty Global Corporation and Shaw Communications, and Member, Cable Hall of Fame

About the Film

When Wire Was King: The Transformation of Telecommunications is a feature-length documentary that puts the telecommunications revolution into historical context. Commerce, technology, entertainment, travel, health, and all societal interaction are now so dependent on secure and reliable telecommunications that, if the plug were pulled, our nation and world would likely collapse. As our digital world grows increasingly complex, it’s critically important  to understand what drives, threatens, and governs the technology on which we all depend.

When Wire Was King is syndicated by American Public Television and is currently showing on PBS stations across the United States. Check your local PBS listings here and stay tuned for updates on streaming.

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Director's Message

Our film provides an understanding of the history of telecommunications market reform and how innovation has led to a world of choices today.

READ JENNIFER'S MESSAGE

The Experts

​The brave individuals who have worked to ensure that we have an innovative telecommunications marketplace.

MEET THE EXPERTS

The Filmmakers

A group of some of the finest filmmakers bringing the important story of When Wire Was King to the screen.

MEET THE FILMMAKERS