The safe, cheap and known: A content analysis of the first (1974) PBS program cooperative

With continued austerity in programming (and all other) budget categories, something has to give in the world of national public television programs-and here the authors support their contention that innovative, controversial, minority interest, and just plain esoteric programs are not chosen when placed up against what Natan Katzman terms "the safe, cheap and the known" programs. Expense is the excuse-but not always the reason for such choices. Mr. Reeves is a masters candidate in meteorology and mass communication (and a weatherman for WTVT television, St. Petersburg) while Dr. Hoffer is chairman of the department of mass communication, both of Florida State University.