The Evolution of American Television

American television has undergone many changes during the last decade -- a continually declining network share of audience, even while the audience for television as a whole increased; an escalation in network competition; and the increasing popularity of cable television and videocassette recorders. What have these changes meant for our most powerful mass medium?

In The Evolution of American Television George Comstock goes beyond his seminal work Television in America...
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American television has undergone many changes during the last decade -- a continually declining network share of audience, even while the audience for television as a whole increased; an escalation in network competition; and the increasing popularity of cable television and videocassette recorders. What have these changes meant for our most powerful mass medium?

In The Evolution of American Television George Comstock goes beyond his seminal work Television in America to explore the vast changes in television in recent years. Comstock examines television as not simply entertainment nor information, but an institution that is some of both at all times, and an enormous influence on American lives.