Reexamines assumptions about the displacement mechanism, which states that television displaces other activities. Considers strengths and weaknesses of various methodologies used to test the displacement hypothesis. Examines data from an eight-year panel study of the introduction of television to South Africa. Uses a variety of methodologies to…

Uses a content analysis of U. S. network television coverage of South Africa from January 1982 through May 1987 to determine the impact of varying degrees of censorship on the amount and kind of reporting from South Africa. Finds that press censorship intensified rather than reduced coverage of South Africa. (MM)

Conducts interviews with nine groups of South African women, examining their responses to episodes of "Suburban Bliss," a South African television sitcom that attempted to use humor as a catalyst to transcend the aftermath of apartheid. Evaluates whether "cultural reconciliation" is possible through harnessing the varying…

Provides examples from six studies to illustrate how the formative research element of the Sesame Workshop production model has been used to create effective educational media in the United States, South Africa, Egypt, and China. Shows how lessons learned from formative studies provide insights into the development of new research methodologies…

Describes the process of developing an HIV/AIDS education curriculum for "Takalani Sesame," an educational media project for young South African children. Illustrates the formative research conducted with adults and children, and recounts discussions with HIV/AIDS health specialists. Describes the knowledge, attitude, and skill…