This study was carried out to examine the issue of whether discipline-derived economics courses enhance student societal understanding. News and current affairs programs on Melbourne television throughout 1986 were surveyed, and the economic concepts and issues involved were examined. Of the 125 programs that comprised the sample, 90 (72%) were…

Examines the importance of economic knowledge in understanding television network news and the concepts that television journalists use most frequently. Analyzes news content of 60 programs throughout 1987. Finds that over 12 percent of total news time was devoted to economic topics. Suggests that school curricula should emphasize economic…