Public Radio and Television in America: A Political History » (1st Edition)

The origins and evolution of the major insititutions in the United States for noncommercial radio and television are explored in this unique volume.

Ralph Engelman examines the politics behind the development of National Public Radio, Radio Pacifica and the Public Broadcasting Service. He traces the changing social forces that converged to launch and shape these institutions from the Second World War to the present day. The book challenges several commonly held beliefs - including that the mass media is simply a manipulative tool - and concludes that public broadcasting has an enormous potential as an emancipatory vehicle.

Booknews

Offers a critical overview of public radio and television and public access television, focusing on the technological, ideological, and social forces shaping the development of National Public Radio, Radio Pacifica, the Public Broadcasting Service, and community television on cable. Draws on interviews with pioneers in the field, looking at public radio and television systems' dual potential as mechanisms for establishing government and corporate authorities, and as emancipatory vehicles. Paper edition (unseen), $24.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)