Low-power television and the issue of localism: Levels of diversity in a new medium

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1992-08
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess specific local programming categories and ownership types in relation to the low-power television <LPTV) localism objectives. This study triangulated an historical perspective, a secondary analysis of TV Factbook data, and a mail survey of the LPTV population. Using local news and public affairs programming as variables, the study explored the relationship between production of these two local programming categories and the variables of ownership types. Based on full-power television research that aligned with LPTV objectives, the hypotheses proposed that single-station, local, individual or community, non-cross-media ownership types would be more likely to produce local news and public affairs programming than their counterparts. In this study, only single-station LPTV owners were more likely to produce local news and/or public affairs programming. The majority of LPTV stations responding carried no local programming of any type. FCC localism goals for LPTV may need to be reassessed in light of economic strictures which restrict production of the very programming the FCC has tried to foster.

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Keywords
Low power television, Television, Public service, Television stations -- United States -- Ownership. -- Attitudes
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