It seems that advertising is definitely having an impact on American students who watch the in-school, public affairs program Channel One. A new study revealed that not only did the students recall
the ads they saw on Channel One more than the news stories, but they also said they purchased teen-oriented products advertised on the show, including fast food and video games. Schools that agree to
show Channel One on 90 percent of school days receive free televisions and satellite dishes, a deal critics say turns students into a captive audience for advertisers. Nearly 8 million students see
the program. Study co-author Erica Austin of Washington State University is concerned about the results. ''The benefits of having Channel One in schools seem to have some real costs that should
create an ethical dilemma for schools," she said. Channel One Chief Executive Judy Harris said she doubted that the students' purchases were influenced exclusively by Channel One ads or by other
advertising and the preferences of their peers. ''These children weren't in an isolation box," Harris said, adding that advertising pays for Channel One's news, health, and fitness content. h
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