A study examined the relationship between an individual's community ties to place and the use of media. Data were collected from residents of Austin, Texas, by means of mail and telephone surveys. Among the variables examined were community ties (home ownership and length of time in community), political variables, demographics, and use of newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. The results indicated that length of residence, likelihood of future residence, and home ownership may not be causally viable predictors of mass media use, being confounded with other possible explanations of media use, particularly age and income. (HTH)