"The first of its kind in approach and coverage, Public Radio and Television in America contains a critical overview of public radio, public television, and public access television in the 20th century. It focuses on the forces -- technological, ideological, and social -- impining upon the development of National Public Radio, Radio Pacifica, the Public Broadcasting Service, and community television on cable. Supplementing primary and secondary sources, with interviews with pioneers in educational television, public radio, and public access, this study reveals the dual potential of public radio and television systems as co-optive mechanisms for establishing government and corporate authorities. In light of the current assault on public broadcasting, and modern society's need to increase citizen involvement in the public sphere, Ralph Engelman asserts that public radio and television deserve to be both defended and extended. He also concludes that these services have enormous potential as emancipatory vehicles. Book jacket."--BOOK JACKET.