A general discussion covering both the common problems and features of the full range of the mass media industries, and some economic notions central to understanding them, opens this report, followed by introductory essays for individual industries and consideration of public policy issues. The basic economic considerations common to the field…

Examines major television programming content trends by reviewing prime-time entertainment series that premiered during the fall season of each year from 1953-74, and concludes that audiences are being offered fewer and fewer content choices. (MH)

This report examines the public's role in determining the dimensions of the public interest in the regulation of broadcast services. Chapter II describes some of the avenues open to citizens to influence the Federal Communication Commission, including: (1) direct contact between broadcasters and citizens, (2) citizen participation in the…

Argues that large broadcasting corporations can afford to provide more diversified and even more localized service than smaller media with limited resources; and warns that government intervention in the name of antitrust could ultimately lead to government intervention in the creative process itself. (JMF)

The reorganization of broadcasting in France in 1974 created an economic rather than a public service goal for programing. (JMF)

The primary objectives of the study reported in this book was the identification and analysis of major factors that accounted for the quantity and proportion of news and public affairs programing shown on commercial television, and to explain why certain types of programs were far more frequently aired than were others. The problem and research…

The majority of the media in the United States is funded through revenues derived from the sale of advertising space. The problem that arises from this situation is fundamentally an economic one: if advertisers are paying the bills for the media, how much control over content should they have? This report offers a review of instances in which…

The proposed rewrite of the broadcast section of the Communications Act of 1934 fails to assure minority access to and service from the broadcast industry despite demonstrated need and compelling logic. The proposed bill must be revised or opposed as a serious threat to the development of minority voices in America. (Author/WI)

Analyzes a few of the prominent issues in black television, examining public television, commercial television, black ownership of stations, cable television, and some projections for the future. (Author/JM)

The implications of cable television (CATV) common carrier access and economic and regulatory issues associated with it are examined in this paper. The first section provides a discussion of the feasibility and legal basis of common carrier access; the next section contrasts common carrier access with existing over-the-air television broadcasting…

Certain myths, images and stereotypes of blacks have existed in American minds since the late 1800's. The movie industry has taught the public a great deal of what they know about blacks and reinforced the stereotypes. Blacks have also been stereotyped in radio and television and although the electronic media has helped many black actors to obtain…

A number of constitutional and economic problems are involved in the process of insuring a free press. The enforcement of antitrust laws by the Justice Department can, but does not, provide adequate safeguards for the public. Beginning with the 1945 Supreme Court decision, "Associated Press v. United States," many court decisions have…

An economic analysis of television programing was conducted focusing on the public welfare implications of alternative market structures and policies in the broadcasting industry. Welfare was measured by the sum of producer's and consumer's surplus. It was demonstrated that any of the private market systems considered contain biases against…

Magazine journalism is not dead, despite the demise of many giant publications, but is thriving in new forms on the threshold of a new era whose trademark is urbanism. New publications recently appearing are primarily special audience magazines designed to fill the specific information needs of new groupings of readers. Since most of these new…

This publication is a part of a series of reports on public broadcasting. Statistics on financial, employment and broadcast and population activities of 155 public radio stations in the United States and Puerto Rico are included. The first section covers total funds, direct operating costs, capital expenditures, and other financial topics. The…