Asserts that, although government leaders stress the role of television in "comforting" the people, an analysis of key challenges to the centralized authority suggests that such comfort may come at the expense of local and regional participation. (PRA)

Discusses the issue of public accountability in broadcasting as shown in new legal strictures, in the creation of councils by the media themselves, and in such mechanisms as public inquiries, research and audience polling, and access experiments. Concludes that access and participation are means for demonstrating accountability. (JMF)

Examines the phenomenon of the cult film and the characteristics of the audiences of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show." Suggests that the preparation, waiting, and finally the active participation in the viewing of the film itself appear to be part of a group ritual which characterizes the cult film as an event. (JMF)