Suggests a new academic perspective for investigating the nature of mass-mediated public controversies based on Stuart Hall's theory of articulation. This theory is appropriated to help identify the empowering associations made between the individuals and groups participating in the 1993 controversy over the embattled television program "NYPD…

Reveals that, although there were no differences in the amount of television watched by high sensation seekers (HSS) or low sensation seekers (LSS), HSS preferred music formats and action-adventure programs, and used television to increase the complexity and arousal in their environment. (SR)

Examines those at the margins of television viewing (self-defined heavy viewers and non-viewers who neither own nor watch television) in order to understand how these groups situate television in their lives. Finds that both populations address themes of motivation, consequences, and importance but choose different actions based on those…

Investigates content composition, quality, and origin of two Yugoslav TV channels reflecting current media make-up in the region (remaining domination of state television and proliferation of commercial TV). Corroborates some assumed directions of new electronic media: focus on entertainment; lack of news and information programming; and high…

Analyzes an apologetic exchange between General Motors (GM) and NBC in 1992-93 over the safety of GM's C/K trucks. Concludes that NBC and GM used "kategoria-based apologiae," a heavy-handed strategy, in their interchange, but that, when used correctly, the strategy can be an important resource in challenging inaccurate and/or misleading…

Examined engagement of children's cognitive capacity by televised material using secondary task paradigm. Had children respond to auditory probes distributed across researcher-manipulated segments of program. Found capacity more effectively engaged when language was comprehensible, if children were looking at TV when probes were presented; for…

Compares the use of enhanced television features and television commerce features on the Web sites of cable and broadcast television networks. Shows differences in strategies and site usability; proposes three enhanced television strategy models; and discusses implications on television revenue and viewership. (Author/LRW)

Analyzes the television series "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Theorizes the relationship between collective visions of the future and the identity politics of the present. Argues that "The Next Generation" invites audiences to participate in a shared sense of the future that constrains human agency and (re)produces the…

Uses a quasi-experimental design to test the effects of exposure to the miniseries "Amerika" on attitudes about communism and United States/Soviet relations. Finds that viewers of the miniseries believe that Americans should guard against a very real communist threat by supporting a strong military defense, including the development of…

Uses three strategies (dividing cultivation into component subprocesses, testing for an intervening variable, and contingent relationships) for elaborating the cultivation hypothesis. Finds evidence that cultivation effects do exist but that dividing the socialization process does not increase the predictive power of the cultivation hypothesis.…

Presents the results of a content analysis of network evening news coverage of the TWA hijacking of June 1985. Finds that hostages and relatives are the most frequent sources in the TWA hijacking story. (RS)

Explores the content and structure of music videos, focusing on the pervasiveness of aggressive cues (objects or events representing physical harm or the threat of harm), gender portrayals within a context of aggression, and the pacing of music videos. Finds that aggressive cues in music videos are less prominent than critics indicate. (MM)

Investigates videocassette recorder (VCR) use in Hong Kong, finding that the VCR does not compete with cinema-going and television viewing, but complements these activities. Confirms research in Western nations regarding VCR use. (SR)

Finds that, among college students, (1) both related and unrelated cuts resulted in cardiac orienting responses; (2) processing unrelated cuts required more capacity than processing related cuts; and (3) memory was better for information presented after related cuts, with this effect greater for visual memory than for audio memory. (SR)

Examines the effects on students of watching "Channel One." Finds a direct effect in that those who watch a television news show in the classroom learn more news and want to buy more of the products they see advertised than those who are not exposed to the program. (RS)