This article presents an interview with Sonia Manzano, who, for 44 years (1971-2015), played the role of Maria on "Sesame Street." A range of issues were discussed--children, learning, politics, entertainment-- as well as her transition to a writing life, through her several children's books and her lyrical and captivating memoir of her…

This column highlights websites that the author thinks are interesting, well designed, and useful to classroom teachers, college-level methods instructors, and other social studies professionals. When reviewing these websites mostly the author tries to look at them through the eyes of a classroom teacher. Does it have relevant, accurate…

Addresses the three most frequently asked questions about exploring the use of public-access television: (1) How does one get started? (2) What are the obstacles? (3) What are the pitfalls (and tips) in producing a show? Optimistically concludes to beware of skeptics and go ahead. (JK)

This paper, the second in a series exploring future options for public policy in the communications and information arenas, examines some of the issues underlying public broadcasting, primarily public television. It advances two reasons why quality local public television programming is scarce: funds for the original production of programming have…

Argues that the traditional centralized model of the public telecommunication networks is being undermined by a host of centrifugal forces, and that a new and open network concept is emerging that breaks down the dichotomy between the telecommunications sector and the rest of the economy. (JD)

Challenges the appropriateness of Carnegie II's commercial advertiser-oriented recommendations on audience analysis for public broadcasting. Using the life-style method which collects data on the importance of television or radio in audience members' lives is suggested. (CMV)

Provides an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of television as a means of informing the public. The scientist who worked on the television series called "The Astronomers" relates what is was like to be the cowriter and science editor of the project. (KR)

Discusses how a growing number of states and school districts are using public service announcements (PSAs) to recruit students. Describes how a world-class decathlete appeared for free in a PSA for the Idaho Division of Vocational Education. (JOW)

Reviews "newscasts from the past," a six-part series of videotapes designed to make medieval history come alive for high school students. Includes ordering information and the results of a survey (n = 363) designed to assess student reactions to the format and content. (JDH)

Predicts a grim future for independently produced documentaries unless the 1978 Telecommunications Financing Act is adhered to. With proposed budget cutbacks, public television would avoid controversial public affairs programs because they are more expensive to produce and run the risk of offending potential patrons (corporate, foundation, and…

Discusses public broadcasters' views of the objectives, problems, and future possibilities for the public television system. The need for local, regional, and national interdependence is emphasized. (BK)

Provides a public television executive's diary account of this two-week trip with a delegation of American television chief executives to the People's Republic of China at the invitation of the country's Central Broadcasting Administration. (CMV)

Notes that "Reading Rainbow"'s third annual contest for young writers and illustrators will be held from January-April 1997; it is administered primarily through local PBS stations which hold their own contests and submit winners to "Reading Rainbow." States that children in grades K-3 should submit a story and at least five…

Reviews American economic and social trends relevant to the public television system. Implications of these trends are discussed and improvements for future development are suggested. (BK)

Analyzes the discourse of news programs on U.S. network television to show that, through a particular set of linguistic choices, major socioeconomic developments are ascribed to individuals, while politics and economics appear to function as logical entities in isolation from each other. (JD)