The "Fairness Doctrine" of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that broadcasters allow ample time for presentation of differing opinions on controversial issues. The Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ acted as a consultant to citizen groups (when requested to do so) in more than 30 communities who…

The Adult Learning Program Service (ALPS) aims to reach eight and a half million adults between ages 25 and 44 and teach them reading and math skills they can use at home and on the job. ALPS proposes to reach those who have never finished high school but do have at least a sixth-grade reading level. They could use their new skills to prepare for…

In 1970, President Nixon created the White House Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP) and appointed Clay T. Whitehead as its first director. This young office has attained influential power in the broad field of telecommunications and, some say, has jeopardized the independence of the public's communications custodian, the Federal…

Cable television communications are an advance in technology which promises profound changes in the way people live and communicate with each other. However, to take advantage of the opportunities that the cable provides requires thoughtful evaluation and careful policy making. This booklet is designed to provide an introduction to the potential…

Participatory democracy in its purest form, the town hall meeting, has been lost in modern mass society. The sheer number of citizens prevent effective interaction between themselves and their leaders. The aim of this study is to explore the various means available to correct that loss, which until the advent of this McLuhanesque era, was…

A three-week summer institute on educational television for ABE teachers, teacher trainers, administrators, and television production personnel is discussed. Thirty-two participants (11 TV personnel and 21 ABE personnel) from 10 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia attended. Participants were provided with a variety of materials…

An inservice course offered to elementary and secondary teachers and other concerned citizens in Rhode Island was presented in fifteen television programs. This study guide includes a description of the fifteen sessions. For each there is given a brief introduction and summary, an outline, questions for further study, and a bibliography of…

Describes study of 42 first and second graders which was conducted to determine whether older siblings could enhance their comprehension of television programs. The hypotheses tested are discussed, research methodology using analysis of variance is explained, videotapes of sibling interaction are analyzed, and future research needs are suggested.…

Discusses the use of video technology and community, or narrowcast, television in developing countries, particularly Africa. The importance of the media in improving communication between people and their government is emphasized, and the political, social and technical problems involved are described. (Author/LRW)

When selecting instructional materials and curricula for developing critical television viewing skills with gifted students, teachers should consider: the track record of the materials; media experience of the students; and other visual stimuli in the classroom. The teacher's and parents' roles identified in the materials should also be…

This longitudinal study examined relationships between children's television use and (1) parents' attitude toward their children's use of television and (2) children's school performance. Connections between television use and school results are demonstrated: children encouraged to watch age-appropriate programs who have help assimilating contents…

Discusses methodology, results, and implications of a study testing three hypotheses and investigating perceptions of social, political, and economic conflicts (organized according to complexity, intensity, and solvability) as they occur in society and as portrayed by television news. Findings indicate viewers are able to differentiate between…

Examines elements of the telecommunications delivery system as a means of teaching vocational education. The author discusses costs of teleconferencing; telecommunications consortia at the state, national, and local level; access to off-campus students; satellite teleconferencing seminars; slow scan video teleconferencing networks; and two-way…

A survey of White fourth-,sixth-, and eighth-grade students reveals that the effects on them of televised portrayals of Blacks were limited and selectively processed. (FL)

The development of cable television networks in Great Britain which will carry 25 or more television channels is creating new educational opportunities. These include more time for educational television, more scope for local programing and experimentation, more educational stations, interfaces with other information services, and potential for…