Possibilities and Limitations of Cable TV for Adult Education

The paper investigates various organizational models of cable TV ownership and control, legislation in Canada and the United States regarding cable systems, and the potential of cable as an information network for adult education. With a view to giving everyone access to the cable medium and an opportunity to participate, advantages and disadvantages of three typical models of cable TV control are discussed: (1) private control, (2) public or community control, and (3) charterboard control. A major weakness in both private and public ownership is the tendency to project the views of the controlling group. Cable TV, however, is a valuable resource for the adult educator, and, in an era when people feel alienated, an opportunity to focus on community issues and relate more personally with the viewer. Limitations regarding the use of cable TV for adult education include: (1) the problem of control, (2) lack of trained staff, (3) unimaginative programing, (4) lack of funds, (5) limited time available for citizen programing, (6) lack of audience involvement, and (7) lack of research. (MW)