Project Literacy U.S. (PLUS) combines national network television and radio broadcasts with community action, alerting the public to the urgency of the adult illiteracy problem and helping to mobilize efforts to deal with it in towns and cities across the United States. All 525 affiliate and member stations of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) take part by airing programs, referring member stations take part by airing programs, referring individuals to local programs of instruction, and otherwise giving assistance to individuals and groups in their communities. The PLUS initiative is conducted in two phases. The first, in process since January 1986, is focused on building an outreach infrastructure via the local ABC and PBS stations. The second, on-the-air coverage, operated throughout the September 1986-June 1987 broadcast season. The PLUS campaign overlaps, and works in cooperation with, the national multimedia campaign begun in January 1985 by the Coalition for Literacy and the Advertising Council. In some states, special television projects are in progress that will serve to reinforce the PLUS and Advertising Council efforts. However, short-run success in raising public awareness could ultimately result in failure, unless public and private sector funding sources can respond quickly with substantial new monies to support and nurture the new activities that will be generated. (YLB)