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)

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)

This paper, which explores the efforts made by teachers and others in England to promote the study of the media in formal education structures, begins by presenting a brief introductory overview of key historical events in media studies that have affected its identity and evolution. The paper investigates, in particular, post-16 further education…

This paper defines indicators related to the dramatization of television and formulates a methodology for analyzing the discourse of the television news based on empirical studies. This methodology is used to isolate some indicators of dramatization as it relates to the structure and form of the message. The changes that have affected the text of…

Discusses differences between the primary functions of the cerebral hemispheres, notes differences between conscious and subconscious responses of subjects in several research studies, and stresses the need for a whole series of questions (so far largely unasked) about how unconscious meanings are made from media. (GT)

A comparison of the current television series "Miami Vice" with the "film noir" genre of American movies from the forties and fifties reveals many similar elements, such as visual style, mood, theme, and sensibility. "Miami Vice" is set in a large city whose art deco architecture provides an ironic contrast to noir's…

Two contradictory trends are developing in telecommunications. The first is increased viewing of television by minorities, while the second is decreased attention given to minority issues by the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) deregulatory stance. Minority groups consume more television than any other social groups, yet television's…

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…

Input from 25 media groups, including the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), considered the image of women on television and radio as part of public hearings held by the California Commission on the Status of Women. Presentations included here touch on the citizen's role in assuring fair treatment…

This paper argues that a completed study pertaining to the various factors involved in the proper recognition and aesthetic application of moving images (primarily television pictures) should consider: (1) the individual viewer's general self-awareness, knowledge, expertise, confidence, values, beliefs, and motivation; (2) the viewer's…

Explores the relationship among media consumers, institutional economics, and cultural ethos and suggests that communication researchers must adopt a flexible methodology capable of considering all relevant forces. Uses the case of Norway's broadcasting of the U.S. television series "Dynasty" to help illustrate these premises. (MG)

Drawing on international studies concerning leisure attitudes, media consumption, and parental impact on the television viewing decisions of 4- to 14-year olds, this paper focuses on the importance of developing a coherent media education policy for pre- and primary-school children, parents, elementary school teachers, and television station…

Discusses the portrayal of science and scientists on prime-time television and assesses the impact that it has on public conceptions of science. Reports that television cultivates a less than favorable orientation toward science and scientists. Offers recommendations for improvement. (ML)

To eliminate misunderstandings between the worlds of education and broadcasting, it is necessary to recognize five myths: (1) The major force in educating the young is television itself; (2) the sheer amount of time children spend on television is more important than time spent in school; (3) television and education are the same thing; (4) more…