Data from three representative national surveys were studied to determine to what extent profiles of television viewers of different levels of viewing frequency fit with expectations based on theory and earlier research. A group of 4,552 respondents were surveyed in 1975, 1976, and 1978 by personal interviews and were classified as to status as…

Describes a technique for analyzing local television newscasts that uses weighted categories of news content and an audience survey. Reports the results of a study that used the technique. (FL)

A survey of cable television subscribers suggests that Public Broadcasting System programing benefits from repeat scheduling since regardless of which time a show might be dropped from the schedule about 23 percent of the audience would be lost, compared to a 12.2 percent audience loss for commercial entertainment programs. (GT)

Explores the specific humorous content of various "All In The Family" television shows and suggests that cultural differences affect the appreciation of humor. (MH)

Reports on a study that suggested that those who watch television news primarily to gain information recall more than others, and that casual viewers recall more than those seeking diversion or both diversion and information. (GT)

A two-part telephone survey was conducted to examine (1) the television viewing preferences of those who did and did not watch the television program "Shogun," and (2) the relationship between attitudes toward ethnic groups and perceptions of the program. An extensive questionnaire for a college student sample and a more simple form for…

An overview is presented in this paper of the types of qualitative radio and television evaluations currently being undertaken in six countries: Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain, Japan, and Canada. An introductory section notes the value of qualitative ratings to broadcast policy makers and to those seeking broadcasting changes, and…

A summative research program sought to determine the impact, benefits, and consequences of "Feeling Good"--a series of hour and half-hour broadcasts oriented toward health, produced by Children's Television Workshop for airing on public television, and targeted toward the adult viewing population. The research procedure was a variant of…

Preparatory to developing a curriculum for parents to use in teaching children how to evaluate the reality and applicability of television in their lives, interviews were held with 13-year-olds and 16-year-olds and adult whites, blacks, and Puerto Ricans around Boston to determine the processes they used to make such discrimination. The…

During the gavel-to-gavel coverage by public television of the Watergate Hearings of the Select Committee on Campaign Practices, audience makeup and attitudes in Florida were surveyed and profiled. Findings showed that blacks were attracted in greater proportion than whites, and males more than females. Spanish-speaking persons tended to avoid the…

This replication of a 1969 study surveyed audience attitudes of 274 elderly adults about television and its importance in their lives. The report focuses on the issues of television as entertainment, companionship function, influence of commercials on buying decisions, preferred programing, objectionable programing, and television's portrayal of…

Traces historical development of soap operas and presents results of surveys conducted with college students to determine how viewing affects their behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. Results indicate students neither seek nor take advice from soap operas whereas early radio soap opera listeners sought practical explanations of appropriate behavior…

A survey conducted with a cross section of the national population produced the following findings. First, not only has television grown to the point where only 2% of American homes receive fewer than three channels, it has also grown in public esteem. It has become the number one source of news and the most credible and frequently used medium. In…

Past studies of media credibility have yielded contradictory results. In some research, television has the most credibility, while in others, radio or newspapers have the most. A probable reason for this is the way survey questions are phrased. In asking for a "major source of news," some questions focus on the "most likely medium" for news in…

Reports results of a study of television entertainment programing that tested the relationships between exposure to medical programs and positive affect toward doctors, exposure to entertainment programs in general and acceptance of traditional sex roles, and exposure to ethnic programs and concern about racial problems in society. (GT)