In ten pages this paper discusses television in America and how it both reflects and influences its society. Eight sources are cited in the bibliography.
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argues that television is both a reflection of society and a significant influence. Bibliography lists 8 sources. SA142TV.rtf Television has always framed the lives
of the American people. This is evidenced by the enormous changes in programming and viewing habits. Once called "the idiot box" the medium has grown to encourage the creation of
satellite dishes and prompted networks other than ABC, NBC and CBS to establish new, exciting programming. The WB has made its mark with shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and
The Gilmore Girls. Channels that people would never give a second chance-like 5 and 11 in the New York metropolitan area-are now competing with the likes of the big three.
Fox has also made an impact with a myriad of new shows and is in fact successful with its X-Files and Ally McBeal. While few argue the success of
television, something associated with low culture to begin with, its force is still controversial. To what extent does television affect the lives of its viewers if at all? Television is
a medium that simultaneously reflects society and is a reflection of society. In other words, television has changed along with changes in culture, but it has also been an immensely
influential source in its own right. Television does influence the people who watch it. Reiss (1996) explains that the television networks are in fact the best barometers of American
taste. He says that hidden in new shows, or in the tweaking of old ones, there are the makings of new hairstyles and fashion as well as new comical clich?s
that will creep into daily usage with annoying and alarming regularity (1996). It will also create larger than life images of stars who quickly become famous (1996). Reiss is