Analyzes strategies for using the theory of discourse communities in the classroom. Suggests varying the writer's roles and audiences, writing as an insider and an outsider for audiences that are insiders and outsiders. (MS)

Offers a methodology for letter and memoranda writing which exchanges an emphasis on forms for one on rhetorical analysis, employing the use of the classical enthymeme. (MS)

Discusses the results of a study addressing the issue of whether writers are aware of the distinction between real and implied readers. Presents several questions for investigation, including (1) "Does a writer's way of perceiving a reader affect contextual development?" and (2) "Do shifts occur in writers' conceptions of…

Analyzes editorial endorsements on the basis of ownership. Suggests that neither group-owned nor independently owned newspapers had much impact on the outcome of the statewide elections examined. Reveals that group newspapers are slightly more liberal in their endorsements. (MM)

Analyzes the effectiveness of several popular modes of radio news presentation in enhancing the appeal of the entire news program and the recall of the relevant news story. Indicates that program variations did not significantly affect recall of facts or the evaluation of general appeal of the entire newscast. (MM)

Demonstrates why traditional methods of audience analysis in composition have so little practical rhetorical value. Provides a backdrop for a broader and more useful view of what can go into audience analysis. (HTH)

Responds to criticism of the uses and gratification model by proposing a modified model integrating the dependency perspective. Suggests that this integrated model broadens the heuristic application of the earlier model. (MS)

Argues that the major studies supporting the Principle of Relative Constancy in consumption of mass communication products were statistically defective. Presents updated tests of data suggesting that the principle is actually of doubtful predictive value. (MS)

How the large number of empirical tests and arguments that have been conducted to prove that mass media violence directly influences behavior have failed to discredit contrary arguments is discussed. (Author/RM)

Deals with an open-government innovation that many cities are adopting: television coverage of city council meetings. Survey data show that less-educated, lower-income, and minority individuals watch the coverage at least as much as the more-advantaged segments of the community. Reasons for television viewing are explored. (PD)

Professor Perelman, University of Belgium, rectifies false impressions of his ideas, explains certain errors in the "new rhetoric," and critically responds to several scholar-teachers who have used his ideas in this country. (PD)

Identifies five reporter publics for corporate public affairs programs, some of whom are motivated by personal interests, others by institutional factors. (FL)

The results of this study were that there were no interactive effects between the sex of the subject and the sex of the audience, and that certain tasks may be sex-performance related because of task performance demands. (RC)

Examines the criteria of news value developed by the Finnish Broadcasting Company to insure objectivity in news transmission. (MH)

Each culture advances its own inflected narrative rejoinder to the issues that have confronted it from both time immemorial and in recent developmental history. The important aspect of such a process, however, is that "mythic narratives" allow for answers to be advanced to pressing needs that any particular society may consider…