Humpty-Dumpty and the Cable.

Modern society as it has evolved is fragmented, but its ever increasing complexity has developed so many interfaces that reintegration has become mandatory. Cable television (CATV) can serve as an integrating force which can help members of the community to pool their resources in a variety of problem-solving efforts. This can only happen, however, when CATV demonstrates that it has a practical pay-off by showing that it can assist individuals to overeome their feelings of helplessness in the face of huge problems. For this to occur, cable systems will have to be designed in accordance with the defined needs of communities. Systems such as the one designed for the Community Communications Project in New Paltz, New York can serve as working models for others in the field. (PB)