Questions what effect nontraditional media have on broadcast and non-broadcast video programs. Examines historically the phenomenon of "small-format" video cultures, and how the medium was used to change the standards of the television experience. Discusses emergence of new forms of entertainment programming, and use of video as a force…

The 250 most frequently used words in television captions are listed in order of frequency. This table is a correction to the table printed in the article "Instant Reading Incentives: TV Captions," in the September 1997 issue. (DB)

Contributes to scholarship on values and ideologies in the media by analyzing five years of ABC's "Person of the Week" segments to identify prominent types of people and values endorsed by mainstream news media. Finds that individuals most frequently selected for ABC's honor lived in the United States; worked in politics and…

Samples 100 prime-time shows, finding that only 2.8% of the adult speaking characters were over 65, and only 8.8% of them were cast in major roles. Notes that the role prominence of characters 65 and older has decreased since the 1970s. (SR)

Finds that news organizations chose expert sources to interpret the news during the Persian Gulf War according to how well their specialized knowledge conformed with television's "operational bias," or an emphasis on players, policies, and predictions of what will happen next. Argues that these processes undermine the ideals of balance…

Examines the often attacked television commercial, its messages, and its effects. Considers commercials a contemporary art form, positing that they are deeply linked with the structure of poetry, and compares the TV director with the poet. Suggests that commercials are a "perfect" expression of the television medium--short, intensive,…

Using textual analysis of 805 incidents in 10 television programs and surrounding commercials, foods portrayed were compared with nutrition guidelines. Foods tended to be higher in fat and lower in fiber, and food portrayals had social and psychological meanings. Adverse health effects of foods low in nutrients were not depicted. (Contains 57…

Assesses the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) security systems in schools. Examines why cameras are important in school security and what is involved in CCTV security. (GR)

Formal and informal education is increasingly pursued by all ages through the Internet, television, and public cultural programs. Museums, libraries, and public television stations, as significant sources of public information, should be especially cognizant of and responsive to societal changes. By their very nature, these three types of…

This study examined the effects of viewing 10 episodes of the television series "Six Feet Under" to assess whether such programming could influence college students' attitudes about death and dying. Students were administered the Death Attitude Profile--Revised, the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale, and the short version of the…

This article explores how Swedish children relate to adult discussions and rules concerning children's play and television habits. It is argued that the children interviewed are well aware of adult ideas concerning children, TV and play. In accounting for these rules, the children present themselves as regulated by adults, but also as valuable to…

Children have a right to play. The idea is so simple it seems self-evident. But a stroll through any toy superstore, or any half-hour of so-called "children's" programming on commercial TV, makes it clear that violence, not play, dominates what's being sold. In this article, the author discusses how teachers and parents share the responsibility in…

The U.S. Department of Education's "back to the basics" thrust of the 1980s took a terrible toll on enrollments for those teaching in the "practical arts." So, in the face of declining enrollments, angry employers wanting more program graduates, and a concerned advisory council, technology teachers must go on television and express their…

Humans draw on their stereotypic beliefs to make assumptions about others. Even though prior research has shown that individuals respond socially to media, there is little evidence with regards to learners stereotyping and categorizing pedagogical agents. This study investigated whether learners stereotype a pedagogical agent as being…

Social skills training programs are frequently used with students who are at risk for or who have emotional and behavioral disorders. These students often experience social skills deficiencies, antisocial behavior, and negative peer relationships. Because the media is an important factor in the socialization and interaction of students, there…