"Having studied the live television coverage of political events since its beginnings, Kurt and Gladys Lang now put the power of television into a historical perspective. Their case studies of a ticker-tape parade for a military hero, or party nominating conventions, or presidential debates, or election night coverage, and of presidential impeachment explode the popular myth that TV opens a window on the world for people to "see for themselves." The more serious long-term effects of television, they argue, depend on how citizens, party leaders, and political institutions have accommodated to its ubiquitous presence, as after Vietnam when, during war in the Gulf, the military worked to control the video image of the battle field.

One question the authors address: Do network projections based on increasingly sophisticated techniques for "calling" election outcomes well before polls close affect results? At no time has this question been more in the forefront of public consciousness than in the wake of the 2000 presidential election. The Langs draw on their own highly detailed study of voter reactions to election news to assess its effect on turnout, on political attitudes, on candidate strategies, and on legislative initiatives." "As a model of how to study communication effects, this highly readable volume will interest decision makers and analysts, as well as students of journalism, broadcasting, political behavior, and voters looking ahead to the next election."--Jacket.