From a review of the Scientific Advisory Committee's report and the five volumes of research on television and social behavior, there is an overwhelming consensus that televised violence does have an adverse effect on certain members of our society, and that the broadcasters should be put on notice. While the method of selection and the final composition of the Scientific Advisory Committee might have favored the networks, it is significant that a unanimous report was filed. It is important to emphasize at this point that "no action" in this social area is a form of action: it is an acquiesence in the continuation of the present level of televised violence entering American homes. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare stands ready to assist those concerned with television programming by providing scientific information and advice, and the Federal Communications Commission, members of the academic community, other legislators, and members of the broadcasting industry will have suggestions for reducing televised violence and including more programming designed to induce prosocial behavior. The Committee's report, then, represents a step forward and should provide a stimulus to other social scientists to build on the solid foundation which has now been erected. (The author is the U.S. Surgeon General.) (SH)