"Closer to Truth" is a new cross-media genre presenting to broad audiences a unique approach to programming called "Knowledge Affairs". CTT is revolutionizing the way by which the fundamental questions of our times can be explored by prominent scientists, scholars and the thoughtful public on-line. Through its interactive Web site, www.closertotruth.com greatly reinforces and extends the "Closer to Truth" television series and book, building deepened understanding and fostering discussion of subjects essential to our lives. Topics include: Mind and Brain; Health and Sex, Creativity and Thinking, Technology and Society, and Universe and Meaning. Streaming video and transcripts of all 28 shows in the new CTT series, currently being aired on public television, can be viewed and downloaded. Upcoming TV program schedules for individual cities can also be easily located. Expanded profiles and bibliographies of the 55 distinguished participants are included, with links to research and homepages. Continually updated news from SciTech Daily and other resources related to the Closer to Truth topics are presented in novel ways along with targeted search tools for the press, educators, and students.

Interactive participation by viewers is a special benefit of the site using a novel discourse tool - the moderated HyperForum. The HyperForum provides an opportunity to participate in an extended discussion of topics on the CTT site. Each HyperForum is moderated by a distinguished expert who helps other professionals and the public together, express views about topics such as "How Will the Internet Change Humanity?", "What are the Grand Questions of Science?", and "Is there a Scientific Basis for Parapsychology?", "Why Fund the Arts?" and "Can We Really Look Ahead 25 Years?". Viewers are encouraged to submit thoughtful comments and participate in real-time opinion polls. Special online feedback forms from viewers help guide which new topics will be expanded into this interactive discourse phase.

The broad public, including those associated with universities and colleges, high tech industry, medical research facilities, government labs, libraries and netaphiles, find the information, interactive opinions and delivery compelling and user-friendly. So too do writers, college students, and thoughtful people in general, as all explore together the issues raised. CTT, as it is disseminated nationally on syndicated public television, in print, on video and audio tapes, and through this unique Web site, affords the broad U.S. and global community the opportunity to explore the competitive marketplace of fundamental ideas. In the first major global extension of CTT, China National Television will start carrying the TV series early in 2001 along with a Chinese-language version of the book. This will likely lead to extensive Chinese participation on the Web site.

Dr. Bruce Murray, Caltech planetary scientist and futurist, leads the team from Caltech and the Los Angeles PBS station KCET, in developing this unique idea-centered Web site. The Closer to Truth endeavor, the book, the series and the Web site, will expand its offerings next year in breadth and content, reflecting the growth of a "knowledge-based" work force and population in general. CTT is moving rapidly to fulfill it's potential as a positive new force in popular culture and thinking with its Web site <www.closertotruth.com> in the forefront.