CHANNEL ONE AND THE EDUCATION OF AMERICAN YOUTHS

In 1990, Channel One, the 12-minute commercial news program for school children, was launched into middle and high schools across the United States. This article analyzes research investigating the alleged benef its of Channel One-the technology, student learning of current events, increased student interest in the news-and the major cost-the adverti sing. It concludes that outside uses for the technology remain modest. While the program can enhance students' learning of current events an d spark their interest in the news, its ability to do so is largely de pendent on supplemental activities by teachers. Teachers are constrain ed in their use by organizational factors and restrictive terms of the Channel One contract. More difficult to assess, due to limited resear ch in this area, are the costs associated with Channel One's advertisi ng to young people in a school setting.