Reviews the findings of communication research on the effects of televison on violent behaviour, and the history of the use of this information in policy-making. To what political use has violence research been put? What impact has it had on politics? The interactions of federal communication policy, the broadcasting industry, public or citizens' interest groups, and the communication research community are described. The rise of TV violence as an issue is documented, in the context of the rise of social science as a policy-making resource. Rowland uses hearings, records, and reports of congressional committees and national commissions to reveal the patterns of argument and shared assumptions, and the structure of interactions among groups and institutions. These records are also part of our rituals of social self-examination. Rowland's approach rises out of the tradition of critical cultural studies, with its emphasis on history and symbolic analysis. His book, finally, is about the symbolic uses to which communication research -- indeed, social science -- is put to alleviate contemporary tensions and unease.

Both provocative and controversial, Tuning In to Young Viewers focuses on a key area of media studies. Today, issues such as violence on television and children′s dependence on television are continually debated. This volume provides a much-needed overview of the crucial topics concerning the uses and effects of television. Designed both in style and organization as an upper-level text for courses in communication and psychology, it is written by scholars well-known to both fields and particularly recognized for their work related to media influences. Topics include diversity on television, television dependence and its diagnosis and prevention, television and the socialization of young children, children′s fear, and other indirect effects of television. For researchers and professionals interested in the effects of television, this book delves into the important topics related to television viewing. The extensive analysis provided makes this text a necessity for courses in media, communication, developmental psychology, sociology, and popular culture.

This book, published originally in 1980, addressed the needs for a profile of televised violence which considered the advantages and disadvantages of various measures and for a furthering of research directions beyond the then-popular emphasis on children. The Committee on Television and Social Behavior was formed in1972 and stimulated new research in order to provide a multidimensional profile of the social effects of television programming. Chapters here look at the effect of television on adults as well as children, particularly special audiences such as the elderly and minority groups. An excellent summary of the various conceptual, substantive and methodological issues around television’s influence.

In 1969, Senator John Pastore requested that the Surgeon General appoint a committee to conduct an inquiry into television violence and its effect on children. When the Surgeon General's report was finally released in 1972—after a three-year inquiry and a cost of over $1.8 million—it angered and confused a number of critics, including politicians, the broadcast industry, many of the social scientists who had helped carry out the research, and the public. While the final consequences of the Report may not be played out for years to come, TV Violence and the Child presents a fascinating study of the Surgeon General's quest and, in effect, the process by which social science is recruited and its findings made relevant to public policy. In addition to dealing with television as an object of concern, the authors also consider the government's effectiveness when dealing with social objectives and the influence of citizen action on our communication systems. Their overwhelming conclusion is that the nation's institutions are ill-equipped for recruiting expert talent, providing clear findings, and carrying out objectives in this area of delicate human concern.

Congressional scrutiny and public criticism of violent television have spanned nearly four decades with little change in the emphasis of those protests. Despite the intensive spotlight cast on broadcasters, few in Congress have really tried to affect any real changes in the amount and nature of violence in television programming. Although there have been many studies conducted on the effects of television, few authors have explored the political, cultural and societal influences in the battles over television violence. This book explores the complexities of Congressional and public scrutiny and the dynamics of communications policy-making in the United States.

Media effects - a key area of media studies - is traditionally provocative and often controversial. Contemporary issues such as violence on television and children's dependence on television are continually debated. Tuning In to Young Viewers provides a much needed, up-to-date overview of the key topics in television use and effects. It is designed in both style and organization as an upper-level text for courses in communication and psychology and is written by scholars well-known to both fields, in particular for their work concerning media influences. Topics discussed include: diversity on television; television dependence, diagnosis and prevention; television and the socialization of young children; and children's fear an

"Potter′s The 11 Myths of Media Violence is a groundbreaking, innovative look at a problem that continues to produce controversy even though researchers have been studying it for more than half a century. . . By explicitly describing the various forces that impede public comprehension of the issue, and by organizing the book around 11 central misunderstandings, Potter brilliantly illuminates the thorny issues that surround the media violence debate. His writing is both clear and compelling. Students, researchers, journalists, policy-makers, and parents will enjoy this book and achieve an in-depth understanding of the issues and their implications for society." -Joanne Cantor, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison and author of Mommy, I′m Scared: How TV and Movies Frighten Children and What We Can Do to Protect Them "The 11 Myths of Meida Violence is indispensable reading for anyone interested in the issue media violence. Potter′s thought-provoking challenges to arguments that media violence is harmless or benign are clearly articulated, empirically sound, and undeniably essential in our violence-saturated culture. This book is certain to be a primary reference for students, scholars, and policy makers dealing with how best to address the psychological, social, and legal implications of violence in the media." -Mary Beth Oliver, Penn State University "It is a wonderful summary of the key issues in this hotly debated area. . . This book is a "must read" for anyone involved in the media violence debate." -Craig A. Anderson, Iowa State University "The 11 Myths of Media Violence is a must read for everyone who has ever sat in front of a television. Potter indicts our culture thirsty for a quick fix and simple black and white answers. He reminds us we live in a wonderful world of mystery, complexity and untold shades of gray. I must order more copies of this book for the many friends and cohorts with whom I attempt to discuss the harms of media violence." -Ann Simonton, Director of Media Watch "This well-written study adds many fresh perspectives to a continuing social and public policy debate. . . . Highly recommended." —CHOICE Violence sells. The media industries say they are simply businesses responding to market desires, but when they are criticized for contributing to a culture of violence, they claim First Amendment protection. If anything, media violence is more prevalent today than at any other time in the past. Yet, although scientific researchers have produced a strong body of evidence demonstrating that exposure to media violence harms society, that evidence has never been translated into practical and accessible ideas. The 11 Myths of Media Violence clearly explains why media violence has not only been allowed but encouraged to escalate. Esteemed author W. James Potter challenges many of our assumptions about the relationship between media and violence. He argues that these assumptions are the primary barriers preventing us from confronting the issue of violence in films, TV, and video games. While dispelling misperceptions and evoking emotions, each chapter: identifies a myth, its origin, its acceptance by the public, and its growth in popularity. analyzes the faulty nature of the myth and shows how it deflects attention away from the truth. presents "dilemmas" that challenge readers to reconsider their assumptions. includes a list of indispensable references. The 11 Myths of Media Violence provides an in-depth review of how Congress, journalists, and researchers contribute to the problem and raises important questions that place the reader at the heart of the conflict. W. James Potter takes a broad social science approach, presenting technical information in a direct, balanced, and very readable manner. Students and scholars of Mass Media, Communications, Film, and Sociology will find The 11 Myths of Media Violence inspires passionate discussion and innovative research. Consumer activists, teachers, and families will find it an essential resource and invaluable step toward finding solutions to this critical social issue.

Based on papers presented at a conference on "Television as a social issue," sponsored by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.