56
COVER: With new rivals stealing viewers, the networks fight to survive
Once they were the Big Three: rich, powerful broadcasters that determined what America would watch each night. Now ABC, CBS and NBC are struggling against cable, VCRs, independent stations and other aggressive competitors. What’ s more, the writers’ strike has left the fall season in shambles, and the bland batch of new shows will hardly provide any miracle cures.
See VIDEO.
18
NATION: Through the eyes of Toledo, the campaign and the debate play out as episodes in a long- running living- room war
How the presidential race looks — on television — from an important battleground. — Nervous and overprogrammed, Dan Quayle was overmastered by Lloyd Bentsen. — The electoral- vote map favors Bush. — Two striking stories from suburban Chicago show racism’ s lingering brutality in America. — Why the U. S. is losing the trade war and what can be done about it — a campaign essay.
36
WORLD: In an extraordinary nationwide poll, Chile says no to General Augusto Pinochet, yes to democracy
After 15 years of authoritarian rule, Pinochet agrees to uphold results of a plebiscite. While the vote is a turning point, it will not transform the country overnight, and the future is far from certain. — Perestroika brings intriguing changes to the KGB. — Why South Africa is so eagerly courting its black neighbors. — Foreign troops are leaving, but Angola still bleeds.
48
BUSINESS: A year after the crash, the fear lingers
In a special report, investment banker Felix Rohatyn argues that the financial system is still vulnerable. Fundamental reforms are needed, he says, to prevent a banking crisis and a new stock collapse.
55
ENVIRONMENT: An aging nuclear plant comes under fire
After operating for more than three decades beyond public scrutiny, South Carolina’ s Savannah River weapons- fuel facility may be America’ s most dangerous nuclear installation.
65
RELIGION: An unorthodox new owner for forlorn PTL
An Orthodox Jewish entrepreneur buys the theme park and TV empire from which Jim and Tammy Bakker once transmitted their high- energy evangelistic appeals. But will Christian tourists ever return?
66
ART: The Degas show of a lifetime opens in New York
The complicated and sometimes elusive painter is seen with an unprecedented — and probably never to be duplicated — completeness in the huge show of more than 300 works being unveiled by the Metropolitan Museum this week. Never mind the crowds and souvenir selling. This retrospective superbly presents Degas as the exemplary realist, an artist who was an engine for looking, a being whose destiny was to study La Comedie Humaine.
74
INTERVIEW: Education critic Allan Bloom lashes back
Insisting that liberals are destroying the foundations of Western thought and culture, the contentious author of The Closing of the American Mind denounces his book’ s opponents.
79
MUSIC: Gloomy? This little tune will ease you
Bobby McFerrin sings a spot of scat, a bit of jazz and a lot of soul. His Don’ t Worry, Be Happy is the flukiest, sunniest No. 1 single of the year, and McFerrin is one of the most skillful hipsters around.
84
TRAVEL: The smiling allure of a templed kingdom
A modern never- never land of scintillant temples, green hills and azure shores, Thailand is this year’ s hot holiday spot. If lush exoticism is not enough, grand luxe and great bargains are also near at hand.
9 Letters
11 Critics Choice
12 American Ideas
62 Education
65 Milestones
70 Cinema
72 People
78 Press
80 Books
Cover: Red Morgan
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