Continues the criticism of the Gerbner et al. Study of the cultivation effects of television on viewers. Argues that it makes unwarranted claims and contains methodological errors. (JMF)

The ethical dilemma presented by the ratings sweeps is a fundamental operating principle of advertiser-financed television broadcasting: broadcasters generate operating revenue and profit by exchanging audiences for money with advertisers. In order to create or attract audiences to be sold, the broadcaster formulates or acquires and then…

Argues that texts may be especially rhetorically effective when the content, the medium used to convey the content, and the real life experiences that make the content relevant are formally or structurally similar. Suggests that formal linkage creates rhetorical effect, and uses Burke's theory of forms to explain the effect of formal links. (MS)

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)

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

A study tested the utility of the viewing intention application of the transfer discrepancy model--a model attempting not only to identify the key program attributes that alter beliefs, but also to identify those that transfer this belief change into changes in viewer behavior. To promote cross-population examination, the study focused on network…

Identifies the significance of the long-running debate among religious broadcasting professionals and religion practitioners regarding the size of the audience for religious television. (MS)

Offers a clarification of the original uses of the word "stereotype" and argues that the current failure to account for evaluative and historical aspects of stereotypes has diluted the usefulness of the concept for critics and teachers. (MS)

Questions the basic approach and findings of the Gerbner et al.'s study of the effects of television viewing on viewers' feelings of fear, suspicion, and alienation. Demonstrates that the cultivation effect is not supported by the data and outlines three plausible explanations for the absence of cultivation effects. (JMF)

Defends the theory of cultivation effects of television viewing on audiences against the criticism of Paul Hirsch. Contends that the data is broad-based and that the framework of mainstreaming and resonance shows systematic and consistent patterns within subgroups. (See CS 705 469 and CS 705 539.) (JMF)

Examines the distribution of age roles in prime-time and weekend daytime (children's) network television drama. Analyzes the content of program samples and survey data on attitudes and opinions to determine how conceptions of social reality are affected by television viewing habits. (JMF)

Discusses the problems of evaluating the ability of public television to perform a teaching role. (JMF)

This paper argues that the effectivity of television lies in the complex effects it generates by operating in specific ways on the line of in-difference, i.e., a particular structure of self relationship enacted in the relation between identity and difference. Using a theoretical and critical framework, the paper presents an analysis of three…

This paper examines a proposal for a possible second Norwegian television channel (TV 2) which has attracted interest from all parts of Norwegian society. Some major dimensions that pertain to the TV 2 issue are set forth and discussed, including: (1) whether or not a new channel should be established; (2) whether it would be a commercial or…

Discusses the effects on public television of competition from cable television and video recorders. Outlines the need for public television to reevaluate and redefine its program service. (JMF)