NCJ Number
115087
Journal
Contemporary Drug Problems Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1988) Pages: 187-203
Date Published
1988
Length
17 pages
Annotation
An analysis of 263 programs broadcast on television in Finland during 2 months in 1983 focused on the depictions of alcohol and drinking.
Abstract
The programs had a total duration of about 146 hours and were all shown on national television channels between 6 p.m. and the end of the broadcasting period for the night. More than one-third of the programs touched upon alcohol, with references to alcohol accounting for just over 6 percent of the total duration of the programs. Only children's programs, concerts, and religious programs were almost free of references to alcohol. Alcohol was a customary component of light entertainment programs such as quiz shows, game shows, variety shows, and musical programs. Thirty-three of the 43 fictional entertainment shows included references to alcohol, and more than half the alcohol episodes depicted drinking. Wine was the most frequently consumed beverage, followed by hard liquor. Food was used less often than alcohol to represent a variety of moods, social relationships, and features of characters or situations. How the viewers responded to the depictions of alcohol is not known. Tables, notes, and 38 references.