Offers an analysis of 10 "Sesame Street" episodes, revealing that the literacy messages conveyed on the program do not reflect current understanding of the process of becoming literate. Shows that hardly anybody reads on "Sesame Street." Discusses why Ernie can't read and how to help him read. (SR)

Reviews studies of the relationship between television viewing and children's interest and achievement in reading; points out that the relationship is complex and that further research studies using more sophisticated measures of viewing and reading behavior need to be conducted before conclusions are made. (ET)