Television and the Remote Control Grazing on a Vast Wasteland

by Bellamy, Jr., Robert V.; Walker, James R.

• ISBN13: 9781572300859
• ISBN10: 157230085X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1996-05-17
• Publisher: The Guilford Press

Summary

With remote controls in more than 90% of U.S. homes, this device has single-handedly changed the way we watch television. This book provides the first comprehensive look at the remote control device and its significant impact on both television viewers and the television industry. The authors place the diffusion of remote controls within the context of the history and economics of media industries, and present the latest academic and industry research. Topics covered include the motivations for and gender differences in remote control use, and the remote control's implications for mass communication theory and the future of television.
 

Author Biography

James R. Walker is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mass Communications at Saint Xavier University, Chicago.

Table of Contents

The Coming of a Second Generation: Television and the Remote Control Device	p. 1
How Often Is the Clicker Clicked?: The Measurement of RCD Use	p. 24
Zapped into Action: Advertising Industry Response to RCD Diffusion	p. 49
A Tool for the Second Generation: Changing Patterns of Television Programming and Promotion	p. 70
Using the RCD: Who, Why, and with What Effect?	p. 95
Who's in Control?: Gender Differences and Family Viewing	p. 125
A Two-Way Window to the Future?: Television's Third Generation	p. 144
References	p. 165
Index	p. 187
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