Showing papers in "Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media in 1998"
TL;DR: This study reexamined the concept of interactivity and proposed that interactivity be defined as the extent to which the communicator and the audience respond to each other's communication need.
Abstract: This study reexamined the concept of interactivity and proposed that interactivity be defined as the extent to which the communicator and the audience respond to each other's communication need. Interactivity was construed as consisting of five dimensions: 1) playfulness, 2) choice, 3) connectedness, 4) information collection, and 5) reciprocal communication. Web sites for products, services, and retail outlets appeared to differ significantly in terms of connectedness, information collection, and reciprocal communication.
702 citations
TL;DR: This study visits the most important question facing the personal computer phenomenon at present— adoption by examining adoption rate and adopter types and their relations to potential adoption barriers, media use patterns, existing communication technology ownership and social locators.
Abstract: As the personal computer's capability to function as an interactive multimedia entertainment and information provider increases, the implications of its future development on the print, broadcast, and cable television industries are of great interest to society. This study visits the most important question facing the personal computer phenomenon at present— adoption—by examining adoption rate and adopter types and their relations to potential adoption barriers, media use patterns, existing communication technology ownership and social locators. Even though the study provided only an exploratory examination of the proposed model, the findings offer a reasonable level of support for the theoretical framework outlined.
211 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of picture motion on individuals' emotional reactions to images were investigated, and it was found that picture motion significantly increased arousal, particularly when the image was already arousing.
Abstract: An experiment investigated the effects of picture motion on individuals’ emotional reactions to images. Participants in the study viewed moving and still versions of 27 different images extracted from a variety of film and television programs. Subjective measures (self‐reports) and physiological data (skin conductance and heart rate) were obtained to provide convergent data on affective responses. Results indicate that picture motion significantly increased arousal, particularly when the image was already arousing. Both skin conductance and self‐report data supported this finding. Picture motion also tended to prompt more heart‐rate deceleration, most likely reflecting a greater allocation of attention to the more arousing images. In this study, the influence of picture motion on affective valence was evident only in the self‐report measures; positive images were experienced as more positive and negative images as more negative when the image contained motion.
201 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors profile Internet adopters in terms of social locators, media use habits, and their orientation toward adopting new technologies, and find that attitudinal variables of those served by online technology are more explanatory than demographics.
Abstract: The present study profiles Internet adopters in terms of social locators, media use habits, and their orientation toward adopting new technologies. Findings, in terms of demographics and technology uses, offer some support for the early adopter profiles derived from diffusion theory. Although results fail to confirm our expectation that attitudinal variables of those served by online technology are more explanatory than demographics, we were able to identify technology and media use orientations that differentiate those with and without Internet access.
199 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an experiment tested memory and approach avoidance ratings for television news images that induce anger, fear, and disgust, and participants rated the images by moving a computer paddle toward or away from the screen during the stimulus presentation.
Abstract: An experiment tested memory and approach‐avoidance ratings for television news images that induce anger, fear, and disgust. Participants rated the images by moving a computer paddle toward or away from the screen during the stimulus presentation. Anger images received the rating closest to the screen, followed by images inducing fear, and images inducing disgust. Images that induce anger were found to be the most memorable on a latency‐to‐response measure, followed by images that induce fear, and images that induce disgust. Both retroactive and proactive memory effects were detected. Results are discussed in terms of comprehension of television news.
186 citations
TL;DR: For example, this paper found that negativism toward media campaign coverage reduces media use and cynicism toward the political system reduces political efficacy, while media use is positively associated with political disaffection.
Abstract: A random telephone survey (N=582) of Washington state voters conducted in November 1994 examines relationships among mass media use, specific aspects of political disaffection, political efficacy and participation. Results suggest that negativism toward media campaign coverage reduces media use and that cynicism toward the political system reduces political efficacy. Negativism and media use also are negatively related to cynicism. Contrary to concerns expressed by some scholars and journalists concerning the negative impact of superficial media coverage on political participation, however, mass media use positively predicts voting behavior. In addition, negativism toward campaign tactics appears unrelated to political participation.
183 citations
TL;DR: This study explored how CD‐ROM ownership and Internet capability were linked to computer utility among a random national telephone survey of 1071 adults and found modest utility in home computers for entertainment, escape, habit, and to pass time.
Abstract: This study applied the uses and gratifications perspective to home computer use. We explored how CD‐ROM ownership and Internet capability were linked to computer utility among a random national telephone survey of 1071 adults. Users found modest utility in home computers for entertainment, escape, habit, and to pass time. CD‐ROM ownership was linked to learning and escape utility. Higher levels of connectivity were reflected in using computers for entertainment and to pass time.
181 citations
TL;DR: According to as mentioned in this paper, self-labeled TV addicts were more neurotic, introverted, and easily bored compared with the rest of the sample, self-labelled “TV addicts'' more often used TV to distract themselves from unpleasant thoughts, regulate moods, and fill time.
Abstract: Twenty four of 237 adults surveyed agreed with the statement “I'm addicted to television.” They ranged from 18 to 72 years old. Respondents completed the TV Addiction Scale (Smith, 1986), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1975), Short Imaginal Processes Inventory (Huba, Singer, Aneshensel, & Antrobus, 1982), and Television Use Styles Inventory (Schallow & Mcllwraith, 1986–87). Compared with the rest of the sample, self‐labelled “TV addicts” were more neurotic, introverted, and easily bored. They more often used TV to distract them‐selvesfrom unpleasant thoughts, regulate moods, and fill time. Thegroups did not differ in positive fantasy.
108 citations
TL;DR: In this article, four areas of ethnographic engagement with virtual contexts are examined: the nature and boundaries of virtual community, the social presence of participation, social strategies of entry and membership, and technical utilities of data generation.
Abstract: For more than twenty years, ethnography has been used to study audience interpretation and social action. With the advent of the Internet, this approach is now being applied to the cultural practices of computer‐mediated communication. This article appraises some strategies for studying a new cultural arena in which aspects of embodiment and identity differ significantly from traditional media reception. Four areas of ethnographic engagement with virtual contexts are examined: the nature and boundaries of virtual community, the social presence of participation, social strategies of entry and membership, and technical utilities of data generation. Ethical issues and future possibilities for research are also discussed.
101 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that favorable dispositions heightened enjoyment reactions to good-fortune reports, and suppressed such reactions to bad•fortune reports; however, the effects were limited to reports of comparatively minor misfortunes.
Abstract: Affective dispositions toward public persons and groups were ascertained and related to enjoyment reactions to news reports featuring these parties as recipients of bad or good fortune. Consistent with predictions derived from drama theory, favorable dispositions heightened enjoyment reactions to good‐fortune reports, and they suppressed such reactions to bad‐fortune reports. Unfavorable dispositions, in contrast, heightened enjoyment reactions to bad‐fortune reports and suppressed such reactions to good‐fortune reports. Regarding the revelation of bad fortunes, the effects were limited to reports of comparatively minor misfortunes. Reports of grievous harm to target persons were essentially unaffected by dispositional variations.
57 citations
TL;DR: The use of phone-based audio innovations (i.e., audiotext audio information services and fax) was assessed in a probability survey of urban respondents as mentioned in this paper, and support was found for the notion that social indicators are less important in the prediction of innovation use than are attitudinal and communication variables.
Abstract: The use of two phone‐based audio innovations—audiotext audio information services and fax—was assessed in a probability survey of urban respondents. Support was found for the notion that social indicators are less important in the prediction of innovation use than are attitudinal and communication variables. Findings are interpreted in light of diffusion of innovation theory and research on the adoption of new technologies.
TL;DR: This paper found that a country having a larger gross domestic product (GDP) or broadcast television economic infrastructure (BTEI) will import a lower proportion of its programming from the United States than a country with lower GDP or BTEI.
Abstract: Our primary hypothesis is that a country having a larger gross domestic product (GDP) or broadcast television economic infrastructure (BTEI) will import a lower proportion of its programming from the United States than a country with lower GDP or BTEI. Results support our primary hypothesis but also indicate that the percentage of private stations may be a more important predictor. Contrary to our expectations, the existence of program quotas is unrelated, and English fluency negatively related, to the proportion of U.S. imports.
TL;DR: This article investigated whether adult mediation during a cultural children's program stimulates children's knowledge of and attitudes towards opera and found that children in the mediation condition recall significantly more opera information than non-mediation condition.
Abstract: In this experiment, we investigated whether adult mediation during a cultural children's program stimulates children's knowledge of and attitudes towards opera. One hundred twenty four children were randomly assigned to one of two viewing conditions. In the mediation condition a coviewing adult provided children with additional comments and showed a positive attitude towards opera. In the non‐mediation condition a coviewing adult did not give comments and showed a neutral attitude towards the program watched. Children in the mediation condition recalled significantly more opera information. In both the mediation and the non‐mediation condition children's attitude towards opera was stimulated by the cultural children's program.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined how the form and content of international imagery are socially constructed and found that the worlds created by ABC and CCTV apparently were molded according to the logic of views from "here and there" that are bound up with the social location of the respective news organization.
Abstract: Against the backdrop of the post‐Cold War world and within the framework of the social construction of reality, this paper argues that social structure, both internal and external, is a major influence on the news. Using data collected during a 26‐day period from China's CCTV and the United States’ ABC, this study examines how the form and content of international imagery are socially constructed. Results show that the worlds created by ABC and CCTV apparently were molded according to the logic of views from “here and there” that are bound up with the social location of the respective news organization. The social construction of reality perspective suggests that the selection and presentation of news on the two networks depend not so much on the properties of the event or issue itself, but rather on its position in the broader social structure relative to its external context.
TL;DR: In this article, the development of broadcasting in prewar Lebanon, describes wartime changes, and discusses postwar broadcasting regulation in the country within the framework of civil society, and calls for a more inclusive regulatory framework preserving national stability and media freedom.
Abstract: Providing a regulatory framework for dozens of unlicensed wartime radio and television stations has been an arduous task for postwar Lebanese governments. Based on Lebanese media monitoring, a review of the Lebanese press, and interviews with media people in Lebanon, this study traces the development of broadcasting in prewar Lebanon, describes wartime changes, and discusses postwar broadcasting regulation in the country within the framework of civil society. Examining the factors that shaped regulation and the forces opposing it, this article calls for a more inclusive regulatory framework preserving national stability and media freedom.
TL;DR: In this paper, the utilization of direct satellite broadcasting (DBS) in Saudi Arabia was studied and found that nearly two-thirds of the respondents owned or had regular access to satellite TV and watched an average of 21.4 hours per week.
Abstract: This study concerns the utilization of direct satellite broadcasting (DBS) in Saudi Arabia. Nearly two‐thirds of the respondents owned or had regular access to satellite TV and watched an average of 21.4 hours per week. Principal components analysis of gratifications sought from DBS yielded six factors: Availability/Variety of Quality Programs, Intercultural, Surveillance, Sexual Curiosity/Identification, Censorship (alternative to), and Religious Information. Three avoidance factors emerged from a separate analysis: Religious Beliefs, Western Commercialization, and Sex & Violence. Results indicate that a mix of technological, political, economic, cultural, and religious forces has given rise to a number of strong motivations to adopt DBS, despite a ban on satellite receiver ownership. Although perceived disadvantages have motivated some individuals, particularly religious conservatives, to avoid DBS, these non‐adopters are a decided minority among the Saudi middle and upper classes.
TL;DR: This study tests how people differentiate between television channels, conceptualized as having two important properties: channels differ in degree of specialized content and are positioned within arrays varying in size.
Abstract: This study tests how people differentiate between television channels, conceptualized as having two important properties: channels differ in degree of specialized content and are positioned within arrays varying in size. Participants watched news stories identified as emanating from either specialist news channels or from generalist channels. News on specialist channels was rated higher on news attributes and evaluated more positively than identical news on generalist channels. News watched on one channel was rated as more similar than identical news watched on four channels. Participants who watched news on four channels rated the television picture quality higher than those who watched on one channel. This pattern of results is consistent with the notion of channel as a place where television programs—and the people and action in them—exist.
TL;DR: This paper found that children who rated higher on the communication dimension were more likely to see motivated violence as more justified, whereas those who rated high on the control dimension were likely to view punished violence as less justified.
Abstract: In this study, children were shown one of three violent TV clips. Each clip showed an identical act of aggression but the perpetrator's motivation and punishment for the violent act were manipulated. Children also filled out a questionnaire that asked about their family communication patterns (FCP). Overall, children who rated higher on the communication dimension were more likely to see motivated violence as more justified, whereas children who rated higher on the control dimension were likely to see punished violence as less justified. In addition, children who were more control‐oriented and who had perceived the violent clip as justified chose aggressive story endings significantly more frequently than other children.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe how Bern's gender schema theory serves as a framework for guiding future research, examine the fundamental premises of Bern's GAs as they relate to the processing of information about science and gender roles, and identify key conditions and criteria from GAs to guide the design of television programs that use role models to reduce gender stereotypes.
Abstract: Bern's gender schema theory (Bern 1981, 1983, 1993) provides a useful framework for examining the influence of women scientist role models on girls’ perceptions of science and scientists. The purpose of this paper is (1) to describe how Bern's gender schema theory serves as a framework for guiding future research, (2) to examine the fundamental premises of Bern's gender schema theory as they relate to the processing of information about science and gender roles, and (3) to identify key conditions and criteria from gender schema theory to guide the design of television programs that use role models to reduce gender‐stereotyping of science.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show how a complex pattern of radio regulation emerged during the mid-1920s, one in which a close-knit relationship arose between regulator and regulated, and how that synthesis became the blueprint used even today for broadcast license allocation and station licensee assignments.
Abstract: A complex pattern of radio regulation emerged during the mid‐1920s, one in which a close‐knit relationship arose between regulator and regulated. Working together to get radio service to the public were the “regulators”—Herbert Hoover and the Department of Commerce—and the “regulated”— Westinghouse, General Electric (G. E.), the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), and American Telegraph and Telephone (AT&T). Together, these two groups set radio's agenda and policy through 1927. This essay shows how that synthesis became the blueprint used even today for broadcast license allocation and station licensee assignments.
TL;DR: In this article, a seven-part model focusing on the structural saliency of network prime-time promos carried within other primetime programs was used to determine what maximizes the effectiveness of on-air promotions, as measured by ratings/share changes.
Abstract: To determine what maximizes the effectiveness of on‐air promotions, as measured by ratings/share changes, this study tested a seven‐part model focusing on the structural salience of network prime‐time promos carried within other prime‐time programs. The results of analysis of more than 5,000 promos carried within 656 videotaped prime‐time hours provided consistent support for the salience model. Results showed significant changes in industry promotional practices over time and significant differences by network, genre, and the familiarity of the program to audiences. Although lead‐in ratings remained the dominant force impacting ratings for series programs (but not sporting events, movies, or specials), promotional salience variables contributed significantly to improved ratings, especially for mid‐rated continuing programs.
TL;DR: For example, this article found that the use of age-categorized television program ratings (TVY, TVY7, TVG, TV G, TV PG, TV 14, and TV M) by 203 fourth and fifth graders from Missouri and California was assessed for 203 fourth-and fifth-graders.
Abstract: Use of age‐categorized television program ratings (TV‐Y, TV‐Y7, TV‐G, TV‐PG, TV‐14, and TV‐M) was assessed for 203 fourth and fifth graders from Missouri and California. Ability to distinguish between pairs of rating codes was low, and uses of codes for program selection and as part of parental viewing rules was also low. Girls reported significantly more parental viewing rules than boys and were significantly more likely to prefer age‐appropriate programs: a tainted‐fruit effect. Boys were more likely than girls to prefer age‐inappropriate programs: a forbidden fruit effect.
TL;DR: Results show that the occurrence of either visual or auditory formal filmic means led to an increase in the proportion of segmentations and no general effect on segmentation behavior could be found for the spectators’ expertise for the depicted film content.
Abstract: The present study addressed the question of whether formal filmic means (e.g., cuts) serve a syntactic function for the viewers by guiding them in segmenting the continuous flow of events depicted in the film. Three films depicting complex production processes were shown to 48 apprentices. We adopted a procedure developed by Newtson (1973) in which participants were required to segment the film content by pressing a button each time a production step ended and a new one began. Results show that the occurrence of either visual or auditory formal filmic means led to an increase in the proportion of segmentations. Also, formal filmic means indicating a change of scene elicited more marked segmentation behavior than formal filmic means indicating minor changes within scenes. No general effect on segmentation behavior could be found for the spectators’ expertise for the depicted film content.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how television reported the campaign, parties, and candidates during the 1995 Legislative Election in Taiwan and concluded that cable television has become a force for balance in coverage, diluting a pervasive pro-government party bias.
Abstract: This research examines how television reported the campaign, parties, and candidates during the 1995 Legislative Election in Taiwan. Results of this study showed that state‐owned broadcast television stations were far more likely than privately owned cable television channels to give greater coverage to the ruling party and its candidates, to use ruling party officials as news sources, and to offer more news coverage favorable to the ruling party than to other parties. We conclude that cable television has become a force for balance in coverage, diluting a pervasive pro‐government party bias. The rise of cable television from virtual “outlaw” status to government‐licensed status appears to have responded to a more liberal society and made a contribution to the development of democracy, as have the expanded elections themselves.
TL;DR: This paper explored the evolution, diffusion and application of audience research in public television from its origins through the 1970s, the formative period for the system, reflecting shifts in funding structures for public TV and the rise of cable and satellite competition.
Abstract: This study explores the evolution, diffusion and application of audience research in public television from its origins through the 1970s, the formative period for the system. Shifts in funding structures for public TV and the rise of cable and satellite competition are reflected in the changing practice of such research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of alternative networks, access to Western-style programming and production techniques, the rise of private, independent broadcasters, and the international exchange of broadcast content have played significant roles in spurring improvements.
Abstract: Television broadcasting started slowly in Romania and for decades languished under strict state control. However, since it helped break the shackles of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's unique blend of Communist dogma and censorship, it has been leading Romania's march toward a more open, democratic society. At first, broadcast improvements were slow to develop as the first democratically elected regime in post‐revolutionary Romania maintained its Communist‐era monopoly overstate television. More recently Romania has seen a dramatic increase in broadcast competition and freedom. Four factors have played particularly significant roles in spurring improvements: the development of alternative networks, access to Western‐style programming and production techniques, the rise of private, independent broadcasters, and the international exchange of broadcast content.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, a multidimensional assessment of ethical sensitivity to 104 viewers descriptions and evaluations of a local TV news story about a hit-and-run accident is performed, which is measured along four dimensions or abilities: ability to notice relevant story characteristics, ethical issues, consequences, and stakeholders.
Abstract: This study applies a multidimensional assessment of ethical sensitivity to 104 viewers descriptions and evaluations of a local TV news story about a hit‐and‐run accident. Ethical sensitivity is measured along four dimensions or abilities: ability to notice relevant story characteristics, ethical issues, consequences, and stakeholders. Cluster analysis reveals eight distinct clusters or patterns of ethical sensitivity abilities, which we label broadly aware, outcome oriented, consequence oriented, stakeholder oriented, issue oriented, fact oriented, outcome oriented, and broadly unaware.
TL;DR: Results showed that the presence of a news teaser enhanced viewer recall and comprehension of the news story teased and the effectiveness of different types of news teasers was explored.
Abstract: This study examined the effect of news teasers on viewer processing of TV news. Results showed that the presence of a news teaser enhanced viewer recall and comprehension of the news story teased. In addition, the effectiveness of different types of news teasers was explored: the presence of a program reference in a news teaser was found to be more effective in facilitating viewer comprehension of the news story, while presentation format of the news teaser did not make a difference.
TL;DR: While the timing and thrust of V‐Chip policies pursued in Canada and the U. S. in the mid‐1990s were similar, specific ways that V‐ chip technologies were deployed varied significantly, design and deployment choices reflected the technical and industrial context, regulatory dynamics, and legislative institutions and processes in each country.
Abstract: While the timing and thrust of V‐Chip policies pursued in Canada and the U. S. in the mid‐1990s were similar, specific ways that V‐Chip technologies were deployed varied significantly. Design and deployment choices reflected the technical and industrial context, regulatory dynamics, and legislative institutions and processes in each country. Modeled after closed captioning technologies, in Canada the V‐Chip was deployed in the cable decoder box, with the CRTC making key decisions. The V‐Chip was introduced in television sets in the U.S., with greater legislative involvement.