1. In a television system in which at least program title information for programs which are to be transmitted in the future, is transmitted in advance to form a channel guide list, apparatus comprising: memory means for storing data representing said channel guide list and for storing user-entered data; data entry means for entering said user-entered data; control means, for performing a search of said channel guide listing for a match to specific user-entered information; on-screen, display means for displaying text or graphics under control of said control means; and means for selecting a television program for viewing; upon successful conclusion of said search, said control means schedules a selection of said television program, or controls said on-screen display means to notify said user of an availability of said television program.