THE ROLE OF THE CRITIC IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS: II. THE CRITIC SPEAKS.

The article presents the results of a survey of the opinions of literary, film, drama, radio-television, ballet and fine-arts critics on some issues involved in their role definition and enactment. A questionnaire of one open-end and 14 multiple-choice questions, pre-tested on mass media critics within the Boston area, was mailed to 90 leading critics in the above areas. Because of the small population from which to draw a sample, no attempt was made at random selection of critics. There were no statistically significant differences among critics in the various fields regarding their perceived influence in forming public opinion. All agreed that the present-day critic is predominately moderately influential in forming public opinion concerning artistic mass communications. This datum is interesting when compared with the critics' responses to the question of their influencing an artist's prestige. Here most agree that they can influence an artist's prestige. Critics Believe they are moderately effective in influencing public opinion concerning artistic mass communications.