Homevideo is the most important innovation to enter the entertainment industry since the mass adoption of television nearly 40 years ago. It has revolutionized the movie studios, contributed to the crisis besetting the broadcast television networks, and changed the way Americans are entertained. Homevideo is the only private-sector mass rental…

Chapters collected in this volume provide information, much of which is not generally available to the public, concerning the role of women in the mass media and the progress of the women's media movement. Discussions are arranged to illustrate the historical development of the movement from 1790 to the present. Chapters 1 through 15 analyze…

Basic information about the characteristics, uses, and implications of communication satellites is presented. Characteristics covered include the various types of systems--such as point-to-point, distribution, and broadcasting satellites--and the flexibility, capacity, geographical coverage, cost and disadvantages of satellites. The section on…

This bulletin reviews early federal regulation of telegraphy, telephone, and radio communications, and the development of the Radio Acts of 1912 and 1927, the Communications Act of 1934, and the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. A large portion of the discussion focuses on the regulatory power and procedures of the Federal Communications…

Hollywood has portrayed the Latino as a greasy Mexican, a generally repulsive and/or irredeemably evil bandit, a cowardly sidekick, a stupid peasant, and a member of urban gangs. Perhaps the rising consciousness of the Latino may reverse this so that a real and positive portrayal of the Latino will develop. (NQ)

Considers whether the media as a whole provide a rich marketplace of ideas. Concludes that the range of ideas and information is relatively narrow due to the nature of ownership and media economics, resulting in a homogenization of content. (PD)

Details the implications for libel suits against the press of the law's distinction between public figures and private individuals. (KS)

Theoretical basis of broadcasting as a public service. (LS)

This 1993 study attempts to define the size and scope of state-wide economic activity generated by the arts in California. The analysis is based on data from surveys of nonprofit arts organization and five case studies. The case studies, which provided context for the core research, include examinations of: (1) artists in Los Angeles County; (2)…

This revised and enlarged edition describes the results of recent and long-standing court decisions concerning the law of libel. Designed for day-to-day use by authors, newspaper personnel, publishers of magazines and books, radio and television broadcasters, and others in the communication fields, the book discusses contempt of court, literary…

Some 350 textbooks (and volumes suitable as texts) are reviewed that are potentially useful in college and university courses in both broadcasting and mass media. The reviews were written over a 4-year period, each being an entry in itself with limited cross-reference. The first four parts appeared in 1971-72 in "Educational Broadcasting…

References to information on the background, structure, function, contents, and effects of mass communications are provided in this annotated booklist. Material is included on theory, popular culture, the Black press, communications technology, the underground press and film, and mass media violence and the entries are arranged according to the…

Since the "New York Times Co. v. Sullivan" decision in 1964, courts have debated the degrees of protection from defamation that should be offered to individuals and the concomitant degree of freedom that the press should have to report on matters of public concern. Most recently, the Supreme Court has attempted to balance these competing…