Examines the relationship of interpersonal homophily and self-esteem with the development of parasocial interaction. Finds that "attitude" homophily was the strongest predictor of parasocial interaction for all three groups of television performers. Shows how an integration of interpersonal and mass communication theories contributes to…

Argues that courtroom trials observed face-to-face are distinct from televised mediated trials and the different rules result in very different things being communicated to an audience. Cautions that televised trials should be approached as a media event that represents a discrete genre of television programing. (KEH)