Compares the dress of adult models in magazine advertisements in 1964 and 1984. Finds that nudity is more prevalent in magazine ads in 1984 than in 1964. (RS)

Discusses the importance of Raymond Williams' contribution to the field of communications by examining his work, illustrative of a process of inductive cultural analysis derived from the tradition of close reading of literary texts, then applied over a much wider cultural and social range. (MS)

Reviews the growing critique of the gender system being developed by heterosexual and gay male scholars in the communication field, in which a sex role-based approach to the study of masculinity is rejected and the socially constructed nature of gender is emphasized. (SR)

Outlines four factors that account for the relative lack of integration between mass communication and interpersonal communication researchers. Cites several forces that support segregation of the two research areas, yet notes that the recent turn to cognitive explanations of communication in both fields may create the climate for meaningful…

Provides data from a study indicating that a majority of U.S. adults see others as more adversely affected by pornography than they themselves (consistent with third-person perception research). Finds that peoples' support for pornography restrictions parallels the discrepancy they perceive between effect on self and effect on others. (PA)

Presents an ideological critique of media histories to illustrate how the dominant liberal pluralist perspective influenced journalism historiography, particularly as it related to the history of newsworkers from 1919 to 1938. Finds that, although they are central to understanding the political and economic development of the media, reporters…

Examines the history of the cultural imperialism debate. Reviews international questions raised concerning the role and influence of the still-popular Hollywood products. Examines changing ownership patterns in Hollywood (buyouts by major foreign interests). Notes important trends, and suggests areas for critical research. (SR)

Finds that more permissive sexual attitudes and lower levels of punitiveness were associated with adolescents' greater enjoyment of "slasher films." Shows that traditional attitudes toward females' sexuality were positively associated with gore-watching motivations and with greater enjoyment of previews featuring female victims. (SR)

Investigates the newsworthiness of international terrorism. Relates the concept of deviance as a predictor of newsworthiness to the specific attributes of terrorist events and their impact on media selection (coverage or no coverage) and prominence of coverage. (SR)

Investigates the cultivation theory of media effects by studying whether adolescent viewers "see" certain lessons for human behavior in television portrayals and whether amount of exposure to television affects this. Finds that some values associated with television are more valued by higher versus lower exposed-to-television watchers.…

Uses Q-analysis to study the motives that reporters and mass communication students bring to the resolution of ethical issues. Finds that most were "mainstream" ethicists, whose ethical concerns centered on credibility, their personal sense of morality, the public's need to know, and the standards of their field and their employer. (SR)

Surveys farm magazine writers and editors regarding advertiser pressure and their attitudes toward it. Finds that 62 percent report receiving pressures from advertisers, whereas about half said that advertising had been withdrawn on occasion. Finds that about half reported that keeping distance from advertisers is a challenge. (SR)

Studies a public school controversy and finds a knowledge gap--a gap of disaffection. Finds that, among women only, higher education leads to greater knowledge but does so partly through reduced trust of government and lower perceived fairness of the news media. Shows similar findings with other less powerful groups. (SR)

Contributes scholarship on journalism, democracy, and pluralism, offering a content analysis of 291 news stories from tabloid and traditional news-magazine programs to examine their news sourcing and reporting. Finds striking differences between tabloid and traditional news-magazine sourcing patterns, and provides some support for concerns about…

Reviews the scientific and public-opinion debate on the impact television violence in America has on aggression and violence. Research supports the view that television violence contributes to children's level of aggressiveness and subsequent violence and criminality. Describes attempts to improve the quality of television programming for children…