Numerous educators have envisioned television's possiblities as an instructional tool and have sought acknowledgement throughout the industrialized world. Educational television in the developing world has also included training which directly affects the quality of life of its audiences. For example, in areas where televised broadcasts are very low, audiences may gather at community centers to view programs on hygiene, literacy, child care and farming practises. In this respect, educational television equips the group with matter-of-fact information to improve living standards. Such broadcasts best exemplify the global aims of educational television.
However, television broadcasting evolved as a profit-making entity. Within this system, efforts to employ the medium for educational purposes have always struggled to stay alive, nearly besieged by the overflow of entertainment programs intended to attract audiences to commercials that have educated viewers in another way-to become active consumers.
Television does not have to be violent or offensive to have a repercussion. Excessive television viewing of any kind has obvious psychological and physiological effects on spectators. We refer to this as the "couch potato" syndrome. Several studies have recorded that even benign television content lessons our creativity and imagination, decreases physical activity, and increases obesity. In the case of young viewers, lowered grades, decreased ability to handle stress and conflict, and higher levels of aggressive behavior with peers have also been clearly documented.
The most studied issue that points to the irreparable harm of television has been the impact of media violence on children. Over a thousand academic studies have been completed, with remarkably consistent results: media violence makes our kids more hostile, less tolerant, and more frightened of the world around them. Watching violence desensitizes children to genuine acts of violence.
Despite its apparent possibilities and the early visions of pioneer broadcasters, educational television has never reached its fullest capacity as an instructional medium and the negative effects of TV viewing continue to outweigh the benefits.
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