Content analyses of the nightly news programs of the three commercial television networks for 1976 revealed (1) the generally low priority given to news about the broadcast media, (2) the variability of cross-network reporting performance, and (3) a preponderance of reports on the media's role in politics. (GT)

Reports results of part of a long-range project studying cultural indicators. Suggests that television viewing is associated with a cultural "mainstream" that tends to absorb or assimilate groups that otherwise diverge from it, and that the salience of certain real-life circumstances is likely to boost television's cultivating potential. (JMF)

Discusses children as television viewers capable of manipulating the co-viewing setting by interpreting, constructing, and carrying out planned lines of play in relation to television and its content. Examples illustrate program-oriented and free-form improvisational play situations. (JMF)

Examines the relationship of preschool children's visual attention to the presence of 37 visual and auditory attributes of television programs. Attributes included the use of puppets, women, and children, auditory changes, peculiar voices, movement, cuts, sound effects, laughter, applause, adult male voices, extended zooms and pans, eye contact,…

Discusses the continuing debate about the effects of televised violence on viewers, particularly children, in terms of aggressive behavior. The two opposing views, the psychologistic and the relational, are each supported by research which, in turn, affects the use of censorship. (JMF)

Examines the differences between Japanese and U.S. television in portrayal of violence. Concludes that while the amount of violence on Japanese television does not differ noticeably from that on American television, the nature of Japanese violence differs with much greater emphasis on suffering and the consequences of violence. (JMF)

Investigates the effects of various programing strategies, commonly employed by the television networks, on program popularity for children. Strategies include counterprograming by type, block programing by type, inheritance effects, starting time, program familiarity, and character familiarity. Confirms the effects of starting time and program…

Partially supports hypothesis that children viewing a commercial television drama in which effective interpersonal relations are emphasized will show greater amounts of cooperation subsequent to viewing than will children not exposed to such a presentation and more than children exposed to a presentation stressing noncooperative behavior. (SW)

Reviews the literature from 1950 to 1978 on public and commercial broadcast television and deaf people. Concludes that deaf and hearing impaired individuals watch as much television as hearing persons, that research on program preferences of the deaf is contradictory, and that, properly captioned, television serves an important information…

Explores the conditions existing within constant television households--homes in which television is turned on for most of the day, whether or not anyone is watching. (PD)

Analyzes usage of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs during two recent television seasons. Alcohol predominated, accounting for more than two-thirds of all coded substance acts. More than two acts of alcohol use were found per hour in each season. The middle class and comic characters did the heavier drinking. (Author/BEF)

Unintended effects of television production techniques are explored using behavioral as well as attitudinal means. Results extend previous investigations into visual presentation techniques by indicating their summative effects. (CMV)

Enabling people to communicate could and should become a fourth function for television. Such a development is likely in the post-industrial world. (Author)

Develops a typology of persuasive attack strategies. Identifies two key components of persuasive attack: responsibility and offensiveness. Describes several strategies for intensifying each of these elements. Applies this analysis to "Dateline NBC"'s allegations that Wal-Mart's "Buy American" campaign was deceptive. Concludes…

Examines a census of 1,757 major characters added to broadcast network lineups through new season programming from 1966 to 1992. New characters are examined in terms of gender, age, race/ethnicity, and occupational patterns occurring across 27 years of network program activity. (Author/AEF)