A survey revealed that a larger percentage of blacks than of whites had watched the television drama "Roots," considered it accurate, and discussed it with friends. The program's influence on the racial attitude of whites was found to be less than many media observers had believed. (GW)

Reports the results of two sets of large-scale national studies on the effectiveness of television as a means of acquiring news information. Concludes that those who derive news information from television have less comprehension of events and issues reported than do those who obtain information from other sources. (SG)

To compare American and English audience attitudes after viewing the television production of "Roots," a study was devised whereby sample groups from both countries were surveyed regarding their perceptions of program content and its historical accuracy, their judgments regarding the show's portrayal of slavery, and their personal racial…