Discusses the availability of research on the makeup of audiences for public television as well as the need for and uses of such data. The public television audience is characterized as generally the well-educated, affluent minority. (JMF)

Examines the impact of six years (1981-1987) of television deregulation by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Contends that the FCC's rule deletions have altered economic relations among segments of the television industry and its users, and discusses effects on the future of "free" television. (MS)

Discusses the problems of evaluating the ability of public television to perform a teaching role. (JMF)

Reports on three types of separation techniques used by networks to assist children in distinguishing between programs and commercials. Results indicate that children were unable to make effective program/commercial distinctions on the basis of any of the network separators. (PD)

Discusses two studies to teach children to be more critical of commercial appeals by showing them instructional films that teach how commercials attempt to persuade. Indicates that those who view the most television gain most from the films. (JMF)

Discusses the capabilities of three qualitative television rating systems and possible application of resulting data by public television. (JMF)

Annual progress report sums up findings suggesting that fear and inequity may be television's most pervasive lessons. 1978 Index shows violence up in children's hours. (PD)

Finds clear patterns of differences in nature and number of commercials during children's programs on three different types of television channels: broadcast networks, independent stations, and cable networks. Examines themes/appeals employed in commercials, disclosures/disclaimers used, and other content attributes. (SR)

Examines the soap opera world by analyzing the conversation and relationship to real-life conversation. Reveals that soap operas provide a subtle blending of the real and the not-real, but that part of the reality lies within the conversation: the relationships of conversants, their topics, and conversational styles. (PD)

Demonstrates that the reason for Zenith's Phonevision's failure was the interweaving of such individual factors as the actions of the regulatory system and the opposition of the broadcast and film industries, along with the internal activities of Zenith and prevailing market conditions. (MS)

Applies the Gerbner, et al, theory of television "mainstreaming" to political orientations. Analyzes survey data to show the political attitudes of heavy, medium, and light TV viewers. Suggests new ways of thinking about television and the formation of political perspectives. (PD)

Assesses the number of violent episodes aired on television each hour of each day during a one week period, and assesses the rate of this violence which is attributable to each of the major commercial sponsors of television programs. (MH)

Describes patterns of exposure and motivation of adolescent sample group. Correlates findings with race, gender, involvement with peers, attitude toward school, and other personal circumstances. (MS)