The relationship between the racial composition of television casts and their portrayal of Black Americans is examined. Observations of six selected television programs over several weeks indicated that the portrayal of Black in integrated and all-Black programs communicates different images about Black Americans. The results indicate that Black characters in all-Black television casts display a significantly greater number of stereotypic Black characteristics, more personal and family problems, and tend to have low social status. Black characters in integrated television casts display a significantly greater number of socially valued characteristics, community problems, and high social status symbols. The study raises questions on the effects of these two types of portrayals on children's racial attitudes and self-concepts. The all-Black programs which contain negative elements that are traditionally associated with Black Americans may reinforce or instill stereotypic images of Blacks in the viewer. The programs with integrated casts may reinforce the notion that Black people are highly assimilated, upward mobile members of society. (Author/DE)