A study was conducted to determine whether dance-trained, television-trained, and regular television viewing audiences would evaluate different approaches to televising dance differently. Three versions of a dance performance were videotaped: (1) version A, a one-camera, one-shot recording; (2) version B, a two-camera, real-time-edited approach,…

Findings of this study on the validity of script reviews in preproduction formative evaluation support the use of script evaluations as a means of identifying program strengths and weaknesses and serving as a guide for revision. Program areas that can be reliably evaluated at the script stage are discussed. (RAO)

An observational evaluation study was made to code 3-, 4-, and 5-year old children's responses and behavior to daily TV lessons. The AEL program, Around the Bend, used a format paced to permit children to respond to instructions. It included a number of different programing techniques (animation, film segments, visitors, art and crafts, animals,…

Examines the relationship between narrative structure and production techniques in two television programs, "All in the Family" and "M*A*S*H." Argues that the communicative ability of any television narrative is, in large part, a function of the production techniques used. (PD)

Describes in capsule form some of the research findings and production principles that have contributed to the success of the educational television program, "Sesame Street." Program appeal, diversity, discrimination of the essential, and the use of special sound effects are among the topics addressed. (JL)

Describes the PACE project (Public Access Cable television by and for Elders) which attempts to involve senior citizens actively in television production. (JMF)

Uses fantasy theme analysis to examine Norman Lear's series "a.k.a. Pablo." Develops an argument demonstrating how a rhetorical vision and its concomitant group consciousness emerged and was sustained throughout preproduction research and collaboration, and how it disintegrated when dramatized first in scripts and then in performance.…

Argues that formative research (research intended to provide practical answers) is an important tool in the production of effective programs for use in instructional television, particularly in developing nations. (JJD)

Designed to identify the factors that influence the decision to use slow motion replays of violent sequences in televising sporting events, this master's thesis gathered data through a review of the literature of sports programming and personal interviews. Network policy statements, government reports, and public action committee reports were…

A study examined the organization, content and audiences of four public access channels to determine whether public access on cable television can be described as mini-communication and, if so, whether cable television is fulfilling some of its promises as a mini-medium. Organization was categorized as reflecting little or no hierarchy of…

In recent years, broadcast advertisers have become concerned with the tendency of video cassette recorder (VCR) owners to "zap"--fast forward delete--commercials. However, research has shown that viewers retain some recall of commercials, even with fast forward zapping, and it is to the benefit of advertisers to discover ways of…

In television programing, pacing is generally defined as the relative speed with which a program appears to progress or the rate at which its material is presented. A study examined whether a fast-paced news show would produce a higher degree of accurate recall of content than would a slow paced program, and whether differences in pacing would…

Examines various technological and artistic developments in the area of television production via their potential effects on viewers' comprehension and appreciation of televised programs. Developments in television equipment are reviewed, special effects and computer graphics are discussed, and future predictions and suggestions are presented. (47…

An investigation of structural aspects of television messages focused on the interaction between structure and content in the creation of meaning. A preliminary study using quantitative data analyzed 137 television news stories from the commercial networks on the fighting in El Salvador to determine how structural elements were used by…

The five major articles in this journal issue focus on television criticism as an academic field. An introduction, entitled "The 'Scholar's Anthology': Televisual Studies" (Bruce Gronbeck), is followed by articles discussing the following topics: (1) the discourses of television quiz programs (John Fiske), (2) the dialectic of feminine…