14 Jan.

The FCC rules against local laws that forbid the use of backyard satellite dishes as opposed to other types of antennae.

10 Sept.

CBS president and chairman Thomas Wyman resigns. He is replaced as president by Laurence Tisch, the company's largest stockholder. Company founder William Paley becomes acting chairman.

15 Sept.

The television drama L.A. Law debuts on NBC.

29 Sept.

American journalist Nicholas Daniloff, arrested by the Soviet Union for spying, is released in a spy exchange.