ABSTRACT
The original impetus for the preparation of this volume came from the assumption that most people watch television because they want to be entertained, not because they are seeking intellectual stimulation or other forms of personal enrichment. When given a choice between educationally oriented programs and light entertainment programs, Americans generally prefer the latter. Documentaries or other “specials” occasionally do draw large viewing audiences, but it is likely to be the entertaining style of presentation that is responsible for this. Thus the program “Roots” would have enjoyed considerably less success if it had followed a more typical educational format instead of a dramatic format.
