Press Release- TV/Radio Broadcaster Sheldon Altfeld
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
David H. Pierce
[email protected]
VETERAN TV/RADIO BROADCASTER SHELDON I. ALTFELD HONORED WITH AWARD
Seguin/San Antonio, TX., April 4, 2024- Veteran television/radio broadcaster Sheldon I. Altfeld has been honored with the Pioneer Award by Deaf Television Foundation for his historic launch of Silent Network in 1979, which is America’s very first national television network providing programming to viewers who are Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing. A national television special about the award ceremony is now released on Silent Network which can be seen in “Deaf Perspective” episode 69. A look at the network’s history is also presented along with several commentaries by Silent Network alumni and colleagues.
Sheldon I. Altfeld
A twelve-time Emmy Award-nominee and four-time Emmy Award winner, Sheldon I. Altfeld has been an actor, writer, producer, and director in Hollywood since 1950. His extensive credits have spanned every aspect of the entertainment industry, including radio, television, motion pictures, stage productions, and audio recordings. Listed in “Who’s Who In Entertainment,” Mr. Altfeld has produced, written, and/or directed thousands of TV shows for NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, Metromedia, Fox, Disney, and various cable networks. In addition, he has produced thousands of hours of radio programming and hundreds of stage productions.
Dr. Steve Baldwin, president of Deaf Television Foundation says, “Our foundation is proud to collaborate with Silent Network in the development of this special tribute to Sheldon I. Altfeld, a true pioneer for national Deaf TV programs.”
David H. Pierce, co-owner of Silent Network says, “Sheldon had a really tremendous impact on the television industry by making programming available with sign language, open captions, and full sound on a national scale through broadcast, cable, satellite, and the Internet. It was a gutsy thing to do in the old days which paid off well in the long run as it’s now normal to see sign language on TV today.”
ABOUT SILENT NETWORK
Established in 1979, Silent Network is a national television network providing programming that is fully accessible to Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing viewers. The network presents its Award-winning classic and new shows in sign language and/or English subtitles and full sound for everyone to enjoy. The word “SILENT” is an acronym for “SIgn Language ENTertainment.” Their company backgrounder website is at http://www.thesilentnetwork.tv.
ABOUT DEAF TELEVISION FOUNDATION
Deaf Television Foundation is a national nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas that supports Deaf television programming, long distance runners, literary events, and theatre activities.
-oOo-