Summarizes past and present television and aging research, identifies several methodological concerns or problems of this research, and considers future directions for mass communication and aging investigations. Television portrayals of the elderly, television viewing behaviors, and the role of television are among the research areas discussed.…

The need for teaching critical television viewing skills is seen as part of a greater need for a sequential media skills program and continued support for reactive art, music, and physical education programs in the schools. Twenty-eight references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Proposes a public-service tax credit that would allow copyright owners of any television program broadcast on the public airwaves to claim a limited tax credit in exchange for school rights to copy programs and retain them indefinitely for face-to-face, nonprofit, instructional purposes. (Author/MLF)

The value of "cultivation analysis" as a theoretical and analytic framework for investigating the effects of television has been questioned. This study suggests that of the viewing/reality variables, the most important is perceived law enforcement program realism, a variable generally excluded from cultivation analysis studies. (PD)

Discusses the learning needs of handicapped children and how educational television (ETV) programs can help to fill these needs. Research in this area is used to point out some of the reasons why ETV does not reach its full potential and suggest why these problems keep recurring. (Author/LLS)

Assesses the impact of the visual complexity of "Sesame Street" segments on preschoolers' visual attention, recall, and recognition. Results indicate that attention and learning are enhanced by (1) visually simple sets in terms of few objects on the screen and (2) low to moderate levels of screen activity. (PD)

Interviews with two groups of women indicated that attractive packaging was more important than nutrition claims as attention-getting devices in food ads. Authors conclude that the potential to misinterpret nutrition information in food ads exists and that the use of nutrition claims in food ads needs closer controls. (Author/MA)

This article offers a bibliography of recent inexpensive filmstrips, slide sets, and study prints that can expand students' awareness of such issues as psychic manipulation in TV commercials, the intrusion of show biz into news reporting, and the role of the advertiser in determining media content. (Editor/SJL)

Provides specific suggestions to music teachers on preparing their students to view an opera broadcast on television, including use of other teachers or community personnel to provide background information. Approaches are outlined for introducing students to an opera's plot, music, design, costumes, makeup, lighting, and staging. (SJL)

Identifies nine motivations for television viewing and relates these to age, viewing levels, television attitudes of attachment and reality, and program preferences. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of uses and gratifications research perspectives. (JMF)

Assesses the reliability and stability of television exposure, and the relationship of various demographic variables to this hypothetical construct, when measurement error is removed. Analyzes data collected from Black adults. Concludes that more attention should be given to theoretically defining media exposure and to taking into account…

The author found that her first grade class of low achievers could and would answer higher-order questions when the questions concerned their favorite television shows and characters. Sample questions reflecting such thinking skills as classification, analogy, inference, and sequence are provided. (SJL)

Presents a study testing the hypothesis that more conservative values are a function of exposure to televised sports. Conservatism is used as a criterion variable to represent a composite score of other political values studies including authoritarianism, nationalism, value restraint/need-determined expression, equalitarianism, individualism and…

The author summarizes a research review conducted at William Paterson College. Information is presented on the amount of time spent watching television, types of programs preferred by different age groups, and the impact of television on reading habits and achievement. No consistent relationship between TV viewing and achievement was found. (SJL)

Telecourses allow students to test their interests and aptitudes before committing themselves to a course of study. Milwaukee Area Technical College telecourses are available throughout a wide area via cable television. Because videocassettes of courses are available in the library, self-paced learning is possible. (SK)