Samples 100 prime-time shows, finding that only 2.8% of the adult speaking characters were over 65, and only 8.8% of them were cast in major roles. Notes that the role prominence of characters 65 and older has decreased since the 1970s. (SR)

Reveals that, although there were no differences in the amount of television watched by high sensation seekers (HSS) or low sensation seekers (LSS), HSS preferred music formats and action-adventure programs, and used television to increase the complexity and arousal in their environment. (SR)

Examines those at the margins of television viewing (self-defined heavy viewers and non-viewers who neither own nor watch television) in order to understand how these groups situate television in their lives. Finds that both populations address themes of motivation, consequences, and importance but choose different actions based on those…

Investigates content composition, quality, and origin of two Yugoslav TV channels reflecting current media make-up in the region (remaining domination of state television and proliferation of commercial TV). Corroborates some assumed directions of new electronic media: focus on entertainment; lack of news and information programming; and high…

Finds that undergraduate viewers' schemata can categorize news reenactments as real despite accompanying advisories to the contrary. Finds that visual advisories are more effective than auditory advisories in helping viewers remember reenactments as reenactments, and suggests using distinctive video to draw attention to simulation advisories. (SR)

Finds sexual imagery more common than religious imagery in a sample of 207 rock, country, and Christian videos, although religious imagery was present in approximately 30% of the videos. Finds that the presence of sexual and religious images in combination occurred more often than would be expected by chance and in relatively equal proportions…

Examines associations between local news viewing motives and attention to government reports or to sports reports. Identifies significant connections between need for cognition, utilitarian local news viewing motives, and attention to government news reports. Finds attention to sports news explained only by respondent sex. Discusses implications…

Finds that authoritarianism was associated with greater enjoyment by undergraduate students of reality-based crime videos and more negative evaluations of the criminal suspects, but only if the criminal suspects were African American rather than Caucasian. Shows that authoritarianism was also associated with more favorable evaluations of police…