THE TELEVISION-RADIO AUDIENCE AND RELIGION

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 19, 1955

Whether a research project can afford any concrete answer to this controversial topic only time testing of the conclusions arrived at by this ambitious survey will tell. The Broadcasting and Film Commission of the National Council, under the supervision of the Yale Divinity School has used the city of New Haven as a ""guinea pig"" and a thorough analysis has been made to ascertain what use the people of New Haven make of these media and what use they might make of religious programs. There is a description of the social and cultural history of the city, a breakdown of population according to religious affiliation, ethnic backgrounds, social and economic status and dominant interests. Special attention is paid to the status of the Protestant churches and the group with no church affiliation. Considerable attention is paid to the religious programs, particularly the interest shown in Fulton Sheen, Ralph W. Sockman, Norman Vincent Peale and Edward Fuller. The TV audience is studied with description of preferences in both secular and religious programs. These studies are buttressed by ""depth interviews"" with selected individuals. On the basis of these studies a final chapter outlines a strategy for religious broadcasting by the Protestant forces. The book reveals the revolutionary effect on family life, the relatively insignificant role of religious programs, the failure of religious broadcasters to specify their objectives and to make their programs sufficiently broad in appeal. This book should prove of constructive value to all those engaged in the mushrooming broadcasting industry, as well as to Protestant leaders who are considering its value as a practical medium.

Pub Date: Oct. 19, 1955

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1955

Categories: NONFICTION