It has been suggested that a television set should be thought of as nothing more than a toaster with pictures and that since we let market forces determine the design of kitchen appliances we can let them determine what is seen on television  But that approach is too simple  Some governmental control is needed, since television is so important politically and culturally  It is a major source of commercial entertainment  It plays an important political role because it is the primary medium through which many voters obtain information about current affairs
It is a significant cultural force in that in the average home it is on for more than five hours a day
It is a premise that is offered in support of the claim that we let market forces determine the design of kitchen appliances.