In the Life is the only nationally broadcast gay and lesbian television newsmagazine series. It is presented by WNET-TV New York and distributed through the American Program Service. The series is produced by In the Life Media, Inc. with 60 percent of its budget underwritten by foundations, 20 percent from videotape sales and other services, and 20 percent from a national membership of nearly 5,000 individuals who give an average of $40 each.
John Scagliotti, former program director of Pacifica's WBAI-FM and producer of the gay movement documentary, Before Stonewall, conceptualized the program. The show's primary goal is "to shatter negative stereotypes of gay men and women so often erroneously presented by mainstream media." Scores of both straight and gay celebrities have appeared on the program and several colleges and libraries have purchased episodes. ITL can be found on almost 100 PBS affiliates in 19 of the 20 top markets. Communications Director John Catania estimates that the program reaches 85 percent of the nation's TV sets and is seen by about 1.5 million people.

MENTAL ENGINEERING is often described as a hybrid of 'Politically Incorrect' and 'Siskel and Ebert.' In each half hour weekly episode, host John Forde convenes a panel of social psychologists, comedians and cultural commentators to screen four TV commercials. The conversation begins by examining how the commercial tries to influence us psychologically, then wanders through history, technology, sex roles, spirituality, and humor.
At its best, each segment ends with a discussion of the commercial's implicit messages about values. "This new season takes aim at some of America's favorite commercials," says Host John Forde. "Advertising and marketing are not merely disciplines worthy of analysis, they are the dominant forces in America today. In this new season, we deconstruct ads with glee!"