Examined the type of local television programing offered during the prime-time access period (7:30-8:00 P.M.), the reasons behind the choices, and the special alternative offered by "PM Magazine." Discusses what these findings suggest about the limits of local programing in the current television marketplace. (PD)

Investigated local television programs that devote regular time to "soft news"--features on ordinary people, lifestyles, and the arts. Observed that these programs portray the arts and ordinary people as upbeat and interesting but, at the same time, as fragmented and having little relationship to political or economic issues. (PD)