A study was undertaken to develop a body of knowledge which might bridge the communications gap between the more formal communications establishment and the eclectic alternative television movement. Information was gathered mainly through personal experience, and by survey and interviews. The analysis was carried out during the period from late 1972 to early 1974. This M.A. thesis offers five conclusions and recommendations: first, Federal funds should be made available to community groups to develop programs and stimulate public access to, and utilization of, media. Second, cable television should not be viewed as the only means of distributing local programing. Third, cable television should continue to be considered as a major means of distributing alternative television. Fourth, video is not the only tool for alternative television, Super-8 and various other inexpensive film formats should be more fully explored for television program production and usage. Finally, it is the software produced, not the tools used, which is the major reason for community alternative television innovative approaches. (WCM)