When most people consider the history and development of scientific television programming in the United States, they are quick to mention the popular 1950's show, Watch Mr. Wizard. This program was indeed one of the first attempts to bring science to the general public through the medium of television. Forty three years later, in 1994, Don Herbert, creator of the Mr. Wizard series, launched a new show entitled Teacher to Teacher with Mr. Wizard. The enduring image of Herbert as "Mr. Wizard" is a testament to the presence of science oriented programmmg throughout the history of television.

Early growth in the area of scientific television programmmg closely paralleled increasing public awareness of the impact of science and technology on everyday life in an era more completely defined by mass communication. As issues of science and public policy became intertwined, television was seen as the perfect vehicle through which to develop a "public understanding of science" (Tressel 25). Over the years, scientific television programmmg evolved to serve three primary goals--to entertain, to educate, and, ultimately, to bridge the gap between the general public and the scientific community. In order to service such goals, however, sustainable funding had to be secured.

Scientific television was a key element in the National Science Foundation's (NSF) early initiatives to promote a public understanding of science. Through station by station syndication, the NSF funded several short programs which aired on commercial television. In the 1970's, Closeups, produced by Don Herbert, introduced children to scientific concepts through everyday objects (Tressel 26). During this same period, Herbert also developed a syndicated scientific news report aimed at adults entitled How About (Tressel 32). Most recently, syndication has facilitated the entry of independently funded and produced scientific programs into commercial formats.

In the realm of public television, the NSF invested in the series NOVA. The controversial subject matter engaged in early NOVA programs tested the NSF's funding procedures, however. In an attempt to balance the interests of a free press against those of the scientific community, the NSF established a grant approval system mediated by "outside advisors," most often experts in the field addressed in the program (Tressel 27). With "balanced, objective, and accurate" programming in mind, the "outside advisor" has become a standard feature of most scientific television production regardless of funding sources (Tressel 27).

The success of NOVA sparked an ongoing relationship between the NSF and public broadcasting, one which positioned public television at the forefront of scientific programming. This coalition continues to be responsible for the development of several science based specials, such as The Mind, and a myriad of children's shows, including 3-2-1 Contact and Square One TV (Tressel 29-31). In many ways, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) has forged its identity around science programs and shows every indication of continuing its commitment to scientific television in the future.

Alongside the ongong efforts of the NSF, today's multifaceted television market has led to the development of scientific programming m unanticipated arenas, most notably cable. Cable networks have capitalized on the entertainment value of science and technology to become prolific purveyors of scientific television shows, such as Beyond 2000 (Discovery Channel) and Science and Technology Week (CNN). Science programs have become a staple ingredient on education oriented cable channels such as The Discovery Channel. Recently, cable has also directed its attention back toward the scientific community with the development of professional programing such as Lifetime's Medical Television (Barinage, 1307).

Closely paralleling respective funding sources, current scientific television programs can be divided into three basic categories: commercial programming, children's programming, and PBS programming. These categories often overlap. For example, many children's science programs are produced by and aired on PBS. While such categories are useful in providing basic understanding of the focus of certain programs, they are by no means a definitive description of their content.

Most commercial science programming is developed by either network or syndicated sources. The majority of programs target adult audiences, and the topics of the episodes vary greatly. Most of the programs in this category are series, with each episode focusing on a specific topic, such as new technology, the universe, aeronautics, zoology, and genetic engineering. A few, such as the NASA Space Films (1990), are dedicated to one specific topic. Almost all entries in this category include a focus on "science and technology" in their program description. In addition to several already mentioned, programs in this category include: Sci-Tech TV (1994), World of Discovery (ABC: 1990-1994), A View of the World (1993), Quantum (1993), The Science Show (1990-1993), Omni: Visions of Tomorrow (1985), Eye on Science (CBS: 1981 - 1985), Introducing Biology (1980's), and Universe (1979).

Programming for children is a rapidly growing genre of science television. Since tbe implementation of the Children's Television Act of 1990, programmers have been required to air a certain amount of educational material during day-time slots when children are prime viewers. Several shows, such as Walt Disney's Bill Nye the Science Guy, (1993-94) are a direct response to this act. Other science programs targeting children and/or teens include Beakman's World (1992), Timehoppers (1992), The Voyage of the Mimi (no date available), Newton's Apple (1982-1988) and, of course, Watch Mr. Wizard (1951).

Science television programming produced and aired by PBS also encompasses a wide range of topics. Series such as NOVA and Nature consist of single episodes focusing on areas as diverse as general science, nature, medicine and technology. Other similar programs include Future Quest (1993), and The Infinite Voyage (1987).

Clearly, cable is positioned to become a front runner in future scientific programming by virtue of its resources, funding, and widespread distribution. While PBS has traditionally set the standard in science television, its leadership may be weakened by the continued assault on federal funding of public broadcasting.

New technology will also undoubtedly play a role in the future development of scientific television programs. Following a trend set by science museums, scientific television will likely move toward interactve programming. Likewise, the anticipated profusion of cable channels may lead to high degrees of specialization in programmmg, such as an "all biology channel". In the final analysis, the future of science television lies with the audience itself, as tbe first generations of viewers raised on science-based children's programming reach maturity and reach for the remote control.

-Joanna Ploeger-Tsoulos & Robbie Shumate