In Richmond Newspapers v. Virginia the Supreme Court rules that the press and the public have a right to attend criminal trials.

15-19 Sept.

NBC's miniseries Shogun, starring Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifiine, captivates audiences.

14 Oct.

President Carter signs a law forbidding the unannounced search of newsrooms, except in special circumstances.

21 Nov.

An episode of the television soap opera Dallas captures the largest audience for a program in television history. The episode answers the question from the spring season concerning an attempted assassination of the lead character J. R. Ewina;, "Who Shot J. R.?"