An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 hours of television programing per year are exported by the United States and the effects of this programing on other cultures, particularly those in developing nations, have generated concern. The appeal of this programing can be explained by its intended universality: it is produced within a multiethnic culture, is escapist in nature, and is designed for the "lowest common denominator." It is also being exported to nations for whom the cost of producing original programing is prohibitive. A frequently expressed conviction is that invasive United States programing causes "Americanization" of other cultures; however, this concept is undefined and research has not presented any conclusive evidence about it. While television is clearly active in the modernization of developing cultures, it is not clear whether the values and artistic traditions of a society will necessarily make way for Western popular culture. (DF)