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. TV, although not essential, has become a(n) (221) ______ part of most people’s lives. It has become a baby- sitter, an initiator of conversations, a major transmitter of culture, and a keeper of traditions. Yet when what can be seen on TV in one day is critically analyzed, it becomes evident ...

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. TV, although not essential, has become a(n) (221) ______ part of most people’s lives. It has become a baby- sitter, an initiator of conversations, a major transmitter of culture, and a keeper of traditions. Yet when what can be seen on TV in one day is critically analyzed, it becomes evident that TV is not a teacher but a sustainer. The poor quality of programs does not elevate people into greater (222) ______, but rather maintains and encourages the status quo. The (223) ______reason for the lack of quality in American TV is related to both the history of TV development and the economics of TV. TV in American began with the radio. Radio companies and their sponsors first experimented with TV. Therefore, the close relationship, which the advertisers had with radio programs, become the system for American TV. Sponsors not only pay money for time within programs, but many actually produced the programs. Thus, (224) ______ from the capitalistic, profit- oriented sector of American society, TV is primarily concerned with reflecting and attracting society (225) _______ than innovating and experimenting with new ideas. Advertisers want to attract the largest viewing audience possible; to do so requires that the programs be entertaining rather than challenging. TV in America today remains, to a large extent, with the same organization and standards as it had thirty years ago. The hope for some evolution and true achievement toward improving society will require a change in the entire system.