Remote Control in the New Age of Television

Remote control tuning encourages a form of interactive television using a technology already available in 80 percent of American households. Editors Walker and Bellamy have compiled the first book of state-of-the-art research on a topic of growing interest to media researchers, practitioners, and students. Chapter authors combine survey measurements with recorded observations of viewing behavior, an analysis of the program sources accessed during grazing, experimental studies of remote control use, and historical and critical analyses. Specific topics include: the history of the remote control device, gender differences in its use, family communication and parental control of the device, remote controls and selective exposure to media messages, the impact of remote controls on programming and promotion, remote controls and critical perspective on television, and future technologies. This volume is rooted in social scientific research, but theoretically and methodologically broad in scope.

JAMES R. WALKER is Associate Professor of Communication at Memphis State University. His research interests include studies of media audiences, and the impact of developing technologies on telecommunications industries. His work has appeared in such publications as Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media and Journalism Quarterly.

ROBERT V. BELLAMY, JR. is Associate Professor of Communication at Duquesne University. His research interests include media programming, sports and media, and technological changes in media. He has published articles in the Journal of Communication, Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, and Journalism Quarterly, among others.