Examines criminal defendants' perceptions of the free press/fair trial issue with respect to perceived influences of media coverage on the disposition of criminal cases and the outcome of criminal trials. Concludes that the press' influence on trials is generally perceived as minimal and fair. (MM)

Examines the use of Mobilizing Information (MI)--information that helps people act on the attitudes they already have--in two alternative newspapers: Portland, Oregon's "Williamette Week," and Eugene, Oregon's "Valley Observer." States that the activist newspaper, the "Valley Observer," had a higher MI rate than the…

Analyzes editorial endorsements on the basis of ownership. Suggests that neither group-owned nor independently owned newspapers had much impact on the outcome of the statewide elections examined. Reveals that group newspapers are slightly more liberal in their endorsements. (MM)

Examines the relationship of American government policy toward India and the coverage of India in the "New York Times." Suggests that "Times" coverage of India in the post-Vietnam era between 1973 and 1980 was autonomous of government policy and assessed events independently. (MM)

Examines the events surrounding the Bay of Pigs coverage in the "Times" and concludes that the editors did not hold back the story. (FL)

The effect of the press on parental attitudes towards public education was studied through the use of a questionnaire given to parents. Results indicate that parents are generally satisfied with education coverage, but would like to know more about individual school activities. Parental attitudes were shown to be influenced by the media. (DF)

This paper examines recent court decisions that indicate the extent of constitutional protection extended to opinionated statements made during broadcast commentaries. A brief overview of both the common law and constitutional privileges protecting the expression of opinion is also included in the paper. Specifically, the paper evaluates the…

A study was conducted to explore the influence of newspaper editorial campaign endorsements. The study examined the Louisville (Kentucky) "Courier-Journal," which tends to endorse Democratic candidates, and the Chicago "Tribune," which tends to endorse Republican candidates. It was hypothesized that readers would show higher…

It is no secret that public education is losing the battle for the hearts and minds of the American public. When one of the nation's top syndicated talk-radio hosts repeatedly equates public schooling with child abuse and no outcry ensues, denial is no longer a viable option. Facts don't matter when the goal is to entertain rather than to inform.…

The purpose of this paper is to express the importance of visual/media literacy and the teaching of critical television viewing. An awareness of the properties and characteristics of television--including camera angles and placement, editing, and emotionally involving subject matter--aids viewers in the critical viewing process. The knowledge of…

Based on the criticism made by the Philadelphia newspaper "North American," this paper examines the passage of the anti-cartoon bill by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1903. The paper notes that the law served not to silence political criticism but to motivate vehement attacks by newspapers throughout the country on the law, on Samuel…

Media content analysts seldom observe the principle that editorial omissions are as telling as what is published or broadcast; hence, the purpose of this paper is to explore, and thus stimulate debate about, editorial omissions or "strategic silence." It is observed that as a concept, strategic silence embraces both tact and…

An analysis of press support for computer literacy gives insight into how and why the news media influence the public towards universal acceptance of computers for educational purposes. This article focuses on how information dealing with science and technology is presented by the media. (DF)

Examines the narrative of two child abuse epidemics, one in England and one in the Netherlands. The authors examine the impact of these incidents on social work, policing, medical and pediatric practice, together with an analysis of the response of penal law and court practice. Effects of blame on the professionals involved is highlighted. (JPS)

A study examined the relationship between newspaper coverage of issues and public concern about them at the neighborhood and community-wide levels in an urban area. It was hypothesized that (1) newspaper coverage of issues would be more strongly related to concern about perceived community than neighborhood issues, (2) newspaper coverage would…