This paper argues that the Children's Television Act of 1990 (CTA) required television broadcasters to air educational and informational children's programming, but Federal Communications Commission (FCC) policy did little to clarify the definition of "educational and informational." The paper first examines the historical…

Teaching family communication is unique. However, unlike courses in small group and interpersonal communication, which illustrates communication processes in experiential settings, family communication courses cannot create "families" in the classroom. As such, film and television depictions of the family become all the more important in their…

Interest in television signal-blocking technology (the V-chip) demonstrates that the American people are disgusted with television that they cannot sit down to watch with their children. The broadcast industry must recognize the V-chip as a symbol of discontent and produce television that corresponds to public values. (SLD)

Reviews study that tested the long-term influence of early childhood television viewing on adolescent achievement. Focuses on the demonstrated importance of content of television viewing as a predictor for adolescent outcomes, emphasizes the probable magnification of media effects, and suggests expanding well-crafted educational content to the…

This paper examines gender messages within television advertisements. Society is shaped by the suggestions of television advertisers who influence consumers' beliefs on how people should look or act, and many of these advertisements perpetuate stereotypes. Any consideration of the influence of gender stereotyping within TV advertising must first…

This issue of the Canadian journal "Transition," in French and English language versions, examines the impact of television viewing and programming on family life. Major articles in this issue are: (1) "Virtual Unreality: Television, Families and Communities in the Nineties" (Alan Mirabelli), describes the isolating influence…

This technical bulletin poses questions of concern to law-related educators (LRE) and citizenship educators working to reduce violence among students and the larger community. Maintaining that the sociological implications of violence on television and in video games should be a serious concern to all educators, the bulletin describes the…

This collection of essays addresses the enduring influence and importance of Fred Rogers' 40 years of work in children's television. The 14 essays explore his message of tolerance, courtesy, and self respect, and its influence on children and adults as a counterbalance to social pressures increasingly impinging on children today. The essays are:…