Encyclopedia of Television [Hardcover]

Expanded to four volumes from the original three, this edition contains more than 1,160 entries, almost 180 of which are new. In addition, the editor indicates that approximately 500 articles have been updated and more than half of the 750 black-and-white photographs were not in the previous edition. Ranging in length from 1,000 to 7,000 words, entries are signed and include bibliographical references. The impact of technological advances on broadcasting is reflected by new articles such as Broadband, Digital video recorder, and Streaming video, while the rising influence of cable television is evidenced by the addition of more entries on specific cable networks, such as Animal Planet, Bravo, and Lifetime. Although the primary emphasis continues to be on television in major English-speaking countries, international coverage has been expanded by the inclusion of articles on countries such as Cuba, Hungary, and Turkey. Many programs overlooked by the previous edition have been added, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Jeopardy!, and 20/20, as have a number of programs introduced during the last decade, such as Ellen, The Sopranos, and survivor. Among the individuals added are Katie Couric, Michael Landon, and Regis Philbin. Underscoring the significant role that television plays in our perceptions of political and historical events are new articles like 2000 presidential election coverage and Princess Diana: Death and funeral coverage. Although information on television coverage of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent war in Iraq has been added to several articles, separate entries offering more in-depth treatment of these two events would have been preferable.

Volume 4 includes a section identifying the more than 300 contributors and an index to the set, which, unfortunately, cites only page numbers and not volume numbers. An alphabetical list of all the articles in the encyclopedia appears at the beginning of each volume, but the set would benefit from a classified table of contents. More problematic is the issue of inconsistent currency. For instance, the articles on Frazier and friends are both new, but while the friends entry indicates that the series ended in May 2004, the article on Frazier, which ended at the same time, does not reflect the series' conclusion.

Scholarly but accessible, this excellent encyclopedia is the most comprehensive and up-to-date compendium on television broadcasting. Most academic and large public libraries will want to add this new edition because of its significantly expanded content. Moreover, it is essential for any library that supports a journalism program. Libraries that do not own the first edition and cannot afford to purchase this one can access the articles from the earlier version through the museum's Web site [http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/index.html]. Marie Ellis
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.