The development of the Satellite Television Demonstration Project in Alaska, delivering commercial entertainment television, is briefly described; and important educational issues related to the delivery and usage of commercial television via satellite in Alaska are discussed, including (1) justification for the demonstration project; (2) implementation of the project; (3) the project as an opportunity for research on the effects of commercial television on rural native populations in Alaska; and (4) possible beneficial and harmful cognitive and affective influences of commercial television in Alaska, especially when delivered to rural children in their schools. Several studies related to relevant television and minority culture research are cited. (CMV)