Presents a model to ascertain the "critical mass" in ratings points required to facilitate renewal of prime-time network programs aired between 1971 and 1985. Emphasizes a financial model incorporating revenue levels needed to offset program costs--advertising agency commissions, affiliate compensation, network overhead--and program…

Offers a clarification of the original uses of the word "stereotype" and argues that the current failure to account for evaluative and historical aspects of stereotypes has diluted the usefulness of the concept for critics and teachers. (MS)

Tentative football televising agreements between the National Collegiate Athletics Association and four television broadcasting companies, unconfirmed by contract pending a Supreme Court antitrust ruling concerning network and cable television companies, are outlined. (MSE)

Discusses research suggesting that television viewing contributes to negative attitudes and low levels of knowledge about older people. Using the same data set and measurements, concludes that the effect of television viewing on knowledge and attitudes about older people is small and restricted to younger people. (NRB)

Provides evidence that raised eyebrows are interpreted by television viewers as a possible sign of bias when compared to the lack of such a cue. (FL)

Reports on a study that (1) investigated the validity of the accusations that American television networks displayed an anti-Israeli bias in reporting the invasion of Lebanon and (2) analyzed the quality and quantity of network news coverage of the event. Concludes that CBS had the most assertions unfavorable to Israel. (FL)

Reports that inadequate air time and omission of detail are the most common objections by sources to science coverage on network news programs. (FL)

The senior commissioning editor for educational programing on Channel Four, a British television channel committed to quality programing, discusses how plans have progressed through the first year of broadcasting. She specifically discusses target audiences, labelling, how many people have been reached, special programing, innovation and…

Reports on Japan's University of the Air (UA), a broadcast, distance education venture empowered to grant bachelor of liberal arts degrees in several curriculum areas. Discusses the project's background, the state of telecommunications in Japan, UA curricula and goals, and possible problems. (LAL)

Concludes that fifth-, seventh-, ninth-, and eleventh-grade students learned more and understood more from television newscasts that used film. Finds also that even young children understand the structure of newscasts. (FL)

Concludes that first-, third-, and fifth-grade students' beliefs about whether television characters were representative of real-life people related to their mothers' statements. (FL)

Argues that there is no principled way to distinguish between the language used in the television program "Scared Straight" and that used by comedian George Carlin on radio station WBAI-FM, ruled indecent by the Supreme Court in "FCC v. Pacifica Foundation." (FL)

In blaming television for low test scores and poor academic achievement, critics ignore other, more compelling factors that should be addressed. The quest of educators should be for more and better ways to capitalize on the useful aspects of the child's viewing experience. (Author)

Explains what the new act means to public and instructional broadcasters and schools that use or copy their programs off-air.