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The evolution of the TV myth after the Great Depression and the Second World War till the end of the 20th century and its influence on the jobs, families and the related Television's social scripts is described. The evolution of the myth of 'Hard work always pays off' in the post war era to 'Life is unfair and deal with it' in the 21st century is presented.

The introduction of female circumcision into the Americans from Africa, from the time of the Atlantic slave trade is presented. The continuation of female circumcision from Africa is particularly dependent on personal and environmental variables that would discourage or support such a practice.

The Black Family Channel, a 24-hour digital cable network that is available in 30 million homes, aims to create a wholesome entertainment venue, helping viewers make thoughtful choices in life and reinforce good parenting and teaching. The inspiration comes from Bill Cosby's career, candor, and philanthropy that presented the popular television show, 'The Cosby's Show'.

Phil McGraw has become the featured guest Tuesdays on The Oprah Winfrey Show. McGraw promotes a 'life by design' approach to human problems that maintains people can significantly control the quality of their lives if they work hard enough to do so.

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt telephoned the Federal Communications Commission with the news that WLBT of Jackson, MI, had refused to sell airtime to a black candidate running for Congress in 1962. The station relented after the FCC threatened to revoke its license.

This article discusses the adventurous life of journalist Greg Shuker . Topics include a brief discussion of his education, filmmaking, relationship with the Kennedy family and that of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Television personality Jack Hanna, star of 'Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures' program, has been fascinated by animals for much of his life. His career as an animal care specialist led to a television show and in 1993 the 'Animal Adventures' program .

A $25 million verdict by a Michigan jury against the 'Jenny Jones Show' for negligent conduct that led to the death of one participant on the show at the hands of another is discussed.

Turning off the television may not be an alternative to those who would rather not be touched by sordid entertainment. Television's ugliness touches people with discriminating taste by encouraging negative behavior from those who watch it. Television that depicts bad manners, vulgarities, crudeness and unruly kids intrudes on the civility of the nation much the same way second-hand smoke burdens public safety.

Bowling Green University in Ohio hosted a conference in celebration of American sitcoms. More than 20 panels were presented and the panelists discussed a variety of shows that have been popular in American culture. They also discussed the role of race in television and how television has introduced mixed-race groups of men and women and their issues.

The message that the T.V. shows in the 1950 to 1970 portrayed was that drinking enhances life. Those who drank were made engaging, while those who did not were self-righteous and boring. Shows such as Topper and the Andy Griffith Show glamorized alcohol. Kids' curiosity about alcohol was apparent in every show. However, the real-life tragedies were far from the T.V. stories, and it resulted in organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

The portrayal of women's lives on TV has changed over the years, and this is illustrated by the difference between the 1950s show 'My Little Margie' and the 1990s show 'Murphy Brown.' Margie was a homemaker, part of the legion of housewives which included the women of 'Leave It To Beaver' and 'I Love Lucy.' Murphy is a single mother and a career woman, out of the role of submissive foil for the husband. Women's roles on TV have transformed, whether in the workplace, as crime fighters, wives or teenagers.

Seven books on the history of radio broadcasting are reviewed. The books deal with different facets of the subject, including influential and controversial people who shaped radio. The important place of radio during World War II, the changes brought about by new technologies in the 1950s and competition from television are considered. Radio developments in the 1980s and practical aspects of running radio stations in the 1990s are also described.

'Life is Worth Living,' a television show featuring Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, was popular during the 1950s. During the show, which ran for 28 minutes, Bishop Sheen talked about the relation between Christian philosophy and subjects such as science, art, humor and love. A number of factors contributed to Sheen's popularity. He had a penetrating gaze and an excellent sense of timing. He also recognized and addressed his audience's need for spiritual values.

David Susskind devoted much of his career to promoting live TV drama from New York City, fighting the rise of Hollywood dominance over TV. He criticized the decay of programming into shallow content, and upheld the ideals of New York as the intellectual capital of culture. By 1963 he realized that his efforts to keep live drama on TV had failed, yet he remained in New York and continued to produce programs of high quality .

'Seinfeld' depicts a self-absorbed, cynical era and has been called the 'defining sitcom' of the 1990s. 'Seinfeld' rejects morality and offers viewers a license to laugh at unpolitically correct situations. Some episodes reflect an unsophisticated attitude toward life, but friends in real life and on TV should appear more like angels.

Portrayal of female teenagers on TV has changed over the decades, but some stereotypical attitudes have persisted. The teen in the 1950s show 'Father Knows Best' usually had to cry over her problems at some point during an episode. Being pretty has also prevailed as a higher priority than being smart. However, a modern girl can be interesting even to a male audience, as in 'Clarissa Explains It All.'