Stewart Cheifet, Creator of The Computer Chronicles, Dies at 87

Stewart Cheifet, the creator and host of the public television series The Computer Chronicles, has died at the age of 87. The technology news program, which aired from 1983 to 2002, served as an essential resource for computing enthusiasts and professionals during the rapid expansion of the personal computer industry.

Cheifet guided the show through nearly two decades of technological evolution, interviewing key figures and demonstrating emerging hardware and software. His work provided a comprehensive look at the digital revolution, capturing the history of computing as it happened. The program remains a significant archival resource for the history of technology.

Stewart Cheifet established The Computer Chronicles as a premier source of information regarding the rapidly changing landscape of personal computing. The series premiered in 1983, a pivotal year for the industry, and continued until 2002. Over this nearly twenty-year span, the show documented the evolution from early command-line interfaces to the widespread adoption of graphical user environments.

The program distinguished itself by offering a neutral, journalistic look at technology. Rather than focusing on entertainment, the show prioritized education and information. It featured segments on new software releases, hardware reviews, and interviews with industry pioneers. This approach helped demystify complex technology for a general audience.

During its run, The Computer Chronicles became a staple for anyone wanting to understand the digital age. The show's archives are now considered a valuable historical record, preserving footage of technology that has long since been obsolete but was foundational to modern computing.

The influence of Stewart Cheifet extended beyond just hosting; he was the driving force behind the show's editorial direction. By focusing on the practical applications of computing, the show bridged the gap between engineers and the general public. It covered the rise of major companies and the introduction of groundbreaking products that defined the era.

Key areas covered during the show's tenure included:

• The emergence of the IBM PC and compatible systems
• The rise of Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh
• The early days of the Internet and the World Wide Web
• The development of multimedia and CD-ROM technology

Cheifet's ability to ask relevant questions and explain technical concepts made him a trusted voice in the community. The show's format, which included news segments and guest interviews, set a standard for technology journalism that is still emulated today.

With the conclusion of The Computer Chronicles in 2002, the extensive library of episodes has taken on renewed importance. As the technology discussed in the episodes becomes retrocomputing history, the footage serves as a primary source for researchers and historians.

The preservation of these broadcasts allows for a detailed review of the promises and realities of the tech industry. Viewers can witness the introduction of technologies that eventually failed or were superseded by better solutions. Stewart Cheifet provided a platform that recorded the 'first draft' of the digital history we rely on today.

Stewart Cheifet passed away at the age of 87. His contribution to technology education through The Computer Chronicles remains his most enduring legacy. The show he created continues to be watched by those interested in the history of computing.

Through his work, millions of viewers gained a better understanding of the digital tools that would eventually transform society. His neutral and informative style remains a benchmark in the field of technology reporting.