This dictionary is the first "what's what" of television. Its more than 1000 entries provide succinct factual data on production companies, distributors, organizations, genres, historical and technical terms, and much more. All areas of the industry, including "free", public, and cable television, are covered. While the majority of the entries relate to the American television industry, the book is international in scope. Following many of the entries is an address, if the company or organization is still active, and, where appropriate, a bibliography. An asterisk following a name indicates that there is a separate entry for that subject. Headings are based on the best-known name of the company or technical innovation and are not necessarily the final names by which the subjects are known. However, all such alternative names are included in the index. Wherever feasible, birth and death years are noted for key figures. A general bibliography of reference books on television appears at the end of the volume. The index provides immediate access to all the entries and to the personalities discussed in each entry. In addition, there is a programme index, providing the reader with speedy information as to which company or distributor is responsible for which series.