Promises kept, promises broken : an analysis of local public affairs television programming in Los Angeles--quality, quantity and impressions

Includes bibliographical references (pages 134-136)Local television stations are licensed to use the public airwaves by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In exchange for the commercial license they must produce public service programs, which are intended to inform the community on ascertained community problems and needs (ACPN). This study researched local public affairs in the nation???s second largest television market, Los Angeles. A four part research design yielded quantitative and qualitative data on Los Angeles public affairs during Fall 1978. The sample study included all seven VHF television stations and the major PBS affiliate in the area. The four step design included a review of stations license renewal documents, monitoring of all public affairs shows on selected days, interviews with public affairs producers and managers, and compilation of the data. The first step involved review of the public file at each station in order to determine the station???s ten ACPN. Most of the identified problems were similar at the various stations. The basic differences were in definition, such as race relations or minorities. The second step used a random sample composite week of Sunday through Saturday for each station. Each sample day was then monitored for all public affairs shows. The shows were coded for content and tabulated. The results indicate a distinct predominance for inexpensive, in studio interview shows. These shows all tended to be aired during early morning or weekend time slots and rarely covered controversial topics. Next was the interview data. This was the first known study to interview public affairs persons systemically with a formal interview schedule. The subjects were all employed public affairs producers and managers. Their response generally indicated a supportive attitude of the status quo and tended to be suspicious of any suggested changes in the regulations concerning public affairs. Finally, the data from the first three steps were compared qualitatively and quantitatively. The observed time spent in various subject categories was contrasted with the reported ACPN for each station. Most often stations televised programs in less than half of the categories. When considered in light of producer comments, it was concluded that most stations in Los Angeles considered local public affairs a nuisance. The exception predictably was the non-commercial, PBS station, KCET, which dedicated more airtime to public affairs shows. In addition, the programs were more interesting and more accessible. Overall, the Los Angeles stations performed adequately under the guidelines laid down by the FCC. They listed important community problems, programmed serious public issues, and the employed producers were concerned. The other side of the coin indicated serious problems with local affairs programming. In-depth analysis was lacking. Production values were low. Creative ideas were very minimal. The study confirmed the basic research hypothesis that local public affairs is last priority for budget, time period, and talent at local station