Interviewed about favorite TV characters, 91% of boys and 53% of girls ages 7-12 chose same-sex favorites. For male characters, wishful identification was predicted by intelligence and (for girls only) humor; parasocial interaction was predicted by intelligence, attractiveness, and (for boys only) strength. For female characters (chosen only by…

Describes a study of 460 second, sixth, and tenth graders that was conducted to explore the effects of content and development on children's perceptions of the social reality of television series featuring families with children and teenagers. Hypotheses tested are explained, measures used are described, and future research is suggested. (42…

Explores the relationship among media consumers, institutional economics, and cultural ethos and suggests that communication researchers must adopt a flexible methodology capable of considering all relevant forces. Uses the case of Norway's broadcasting of the U.S. television series "Dynasty" to help illustrate these premises. (MG)

Cites recent survey data on sources of news. Claims that a television is by far the dominant source. Discusses implications of this fact for social studies education. Tables and charts of data on news sources are included. (DB)

Argues that television, when used as a secondary activity, interferes with performance on otherwise intellectually demanding tasks. Examines performance on seven different cognitive processing tests for respondents in four television-viewing conditions and a no-TV control group. Finds significant performance decrements for measures of reading…

Describes two studies that examined how chronic loneliness influenced local news and soap opera viewing by nontraditional and traditional college students. The relationships between loneliness, media use, and interpersonal interaction are discussed, and discriminant analyses are presented that examined viewers' motives, attitudes, and activities…

Reviews "Racism 101," an episode of public television's program "Frontline" that addresses the rise of racism on college campuses. Focuses on recent events at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. (BJV)

Describes a study that analyzed television series programs from 1950-89 featuring families to identify racial/ethnic composition, number of children, head of household, marital status, and family configuration and to compare television family characteristics with real families based on census figures. (16 references) (LRW)

Examines television news programs as media for discovering diversity. Discusses television as a means of information and communication, its role in the creation of public opinion, its inability to permit understanding, and the need for empirical research to assess its influence on cognitive processes. (AEF)

Describes the University of Saskatchewan's adoption of satellite television to deliver university courses. The institution's motivation, the teaching/learning model that evolved, findings from an evaluation of the courses, and the dynamics of staff and faculty collaboration needed for the development and delivery of the telecourses are covered.…

Presents a poster for classroom use backed by a teacher's guide to be used in conjunction with the Public Broadcasting Service's six-part series "Space Age." Lists major concepts explored in each program. Includes questions for classroom discussion. Suggests classroom activities to accompany the lessons from the television programs. (DK)

The communication patterns of two family sitcoms were examined as models for viewers. "The Cosby Show" portrays a child-centered family with parents not active in giving direction or modeling supportive communication; whereas "The Simpsons" model an adult-centered family, actively supporting each other and children and giving…

Outlines the methods used by Troy State University (Alabama) to employ television technology to increase distance learning options for students and to increase the productivity and cost effectiveness of college faculty. Describes the television system and the four primary types of programming--public affairs, telecourses, intercampus course…

Discusses telecommunications developments that are affecting distance educators. Topics include bandwidth; educational radio and television; instructional television-fixed services (ITFS); cable television; communication satellites; computers; digital telecommunications; the Internet; other protocols; future systems; telephone switches and…

Clarifies the nature of second-language (L2) self-instruction involving the use of self-instructional broadcast materials, with particular reference to Japan, where such materials are widely used. Analysis of responses to an open-ended questionnaire administered to 138 university students reveals benefits and problems associated with this mode of…