Based on data collected by several individuals in recent years, this report is intended to provide an overview of American public broadcasting and its audiences. The size, characteristics, and viewing patterns of public, noncommercial television viewers are described. Among the findings cited in the report are the following: (1) 80 percent of…

This publication contains two reports of research on news media. The first is a review of more than 100 studies conducted between 1955 and 1977 that indicate that both television and newspapers are used in a generally complementary manner, although they do compete with each other for diversionary time. Among the conclusions noted in the report are…

Two major objectives of the Alternatives in Children's Broadcasting Project were to determine the extent of the influence of violence in children's television and to determine if children's interest in prosocial programming makes it a viable alternative to violence programming. Both adults and 8-10 year old children were surveyed about their…

During the gavel-to-gavel coverage by public television of the Watergate Hearings of the Select Committee on Campaign Practices, audience makeup and attitudes in Florida were surveyed and profiled. Findings showed that blacks were attracted in greater proportion than whites, and males more than females. Spanish-speaking persons tended to avoid the…

A survey of more than 600 Michigan high school students suggests that adolescents who prefer television news and public affairs programs tend to feel their families, friends, and schools think public affairs are important; tend to be older; and tend not to be from a minority racial background. (GT)

A survey conducted with a cross section of the national population produced the following findings. First, not only has television grown to the point where only 2% of American homes receive fewer than three channels, it has also grown in public esteem. It has become the number one source of news and the most credible and frequently used medium. In…

Past studies of media credibility have yielded contradictory results. In some research, television has the most credibility, while in others, radio or newspapers have the most. A probable reason for this is the way survey questions are phrased. In asking for a "major source of news," some questions focus on the "most likely medium" for news in…

AN EXTENSIVE SURVEY WAS MADE OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES USED BY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES. A CRITIQUE IS INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY REPORT DESCRIBING HOW EFFECTIVE 56 INSTITUTIONS ARE IN USING THE MEDIUM. NEAR THE END OF THE STUDY, A CONFERENCE WAS HELD (1960) AT HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND, TO DRAW UPON PROFESSIONAL…

Japan's educational television and radio network, NHK, conducted surveys and studies on the use and effects of its programs from 1960-68. The major surveys, each of which is summarized in this booklet, cover four categories: the utilization of educational programs, analysis and evaluation of selected programs, the effect of educational programs,…