First published in 1994, this book examines the extent to which television affects the people who watch it. Television is frequently blamed for increased violence, shortened attention spans, the decline of literacy and political indoctrination. In this book, the author considers the theories and evidence against television and argues that much of the panic is unfounded. Instead, he asserts that the danger of television is that it is the central apparatus of consumer society. He states that the success of television is measured not in terms of the enjoyment we get from programs, but by how much money we spend as a result of watching them.

Contents

Acknowledgements; 1. Bombardments and bee stings 2. A gift arrives 3. Under the influence 4. The meanings of cultural studies 5. Lethal link 6. Answering advertisers’ prayers 7. Ethnic images 8. In pursuit of women 9. Dream match 10. Arresting viewing 11. Political hype and hyperreality 12. Tomorrow, the world; References; Index