TEL 101: Mass Communication Systems
Summer 2000 Midterm Exam Essay Questions

Following are four essay questions – one from each of the four first chapters of your textbook, Broadcasting in America.  Only one of the questions will be on the exam.  The essay question will be worth 20 out of 100 points, so it will require a good effort to do well.

1.	In terms of technology, convergence, and regulation, describe the differences and similarities among broadcast, cable, and common carrier services.

2.	Describe the rise of commercial AM radio and how the industry changed from the "Golden Years" of the 30s and 40s to the dominance of FM radio in the 70s and 80s.  Explore the influences of television and the recording industry.

3.	Describe the rise of cable from an extension of home antennas to today's expanded program services.  What technological developments fueled the changes?  Trace the changing role of over-the-air network television in the face of cable competition.

4.	Describe and differentiate among amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and velocity in wave motion.  Which of these wave characteristics have implications for ground, direct, and sky wave propagation, and what are the differences between these forms of propagation?