Tiny children hold a policeman's hands as they flee a day care center — a bleeding teenager is hauled out the window of Columbine High. Searing images like these terrify parents. But things aren't really that bad! In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, television and the culture of fear. Also, the joys of cable, and the world's largest drive-in.

Brian Lamb, founding CEO of the cable TV channel C-SPAN and host of "Booknotes," tells Jim Fleming that the economics of TV have changed and he doubts a not-for- profit operation like his could be established today. He says his author interview show is aimed at people who want to learn, not just intellectuals.

Barry Glassner, author of "The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things" tells Judith Strasser that local TV news thrives on fear-mongering. Crime is actually lower than it's been in years, and violent incidents like child disappearances and school shootings are rare events and not something every parent needs to actively worry about. Also, award-winning screenwriter and independent producer James Schamus tells Steve Paulson that the media can make anyone a public figure, with no property rights to their own life story. He explains how the woman behind "The Three Faces of Eve" went to court to get the rights to her life back. She claimed she never signed the contract — one of her multiple personalities did! And it worked!

Curtis White reads from his novel "Memories of My Father Watching TV" and talks with Steve Paulson about ‘60's shows like "Combat" and "Have Gun, Will Travel." He says his college students tell him there's still a father's chair facing the TV in their houses, and Dad still controls the remote. Also, Larry Baker tells Jim Fleming some wild stories from his days as a theater manager, many of which make it into "The Flamingo Rising," Baker's novel about the world's biggest drive-in. He also theorizes about what caused the drive-in's decline.

Distribution dates:

• week of 09/12/99 - hour 3