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Television has changed the lifestyle. of people in every industrialized country in the world. In the United States, where sociologists have studied the effects, some interesting observations have been made.

Television, although not essential, has become an important part of most people’s lives. It alters people’s ways of seeing the world; in many ways, it supports and sustains(维持) modern life.

Television has become a babysitter, an introducer of conversations, the major trans mitter of culture and a keeper of tradition. Yet when what can be seen on TV in one day is critically analyzed, it become sevident that television is not a teacher but a sustainer; the poor quality of programming does not elevate(提高) people into greater under standing, but rather main tains and encourages the life as it exists.

The primary reason for the lack of quality in American television is related to both the history of TV programming development and the economics of TV. Television in America began with the radio. Radio companies and their sponsors first experimented with television. Therefore, the close relationship which the advertisers had with radio programs became the system for American TV. Sponsors not only paid money for time with in programs, but many actually produced the programs. Thus, in American society, television is primarily concerned with reflecting and attracting society rather than experimenting with new ideas. Advertisers want to attract the large stviewing audience possible. To do sore quires that the programs be enter taining rather than educational, attractive rather than challenging.

Television in America today remains, to a large extent, with the same organization and standards as it had thirty years ago. The hope for further development and true achievement toward improving society will require a change in the entire system.