The relationship of the media with the presidency, Congress, the Supreme Court, the bureaucracy, and interest groups is described in each of the respective chapters with frequent comparative references across institutions. The media's policy-making role is described in the final two chapters. The first of these chapters relates the role of the news media in the policy making process, with particular attention to domestic public policy. The following chapter addresses news coverage of U.S. foreign and defense policy. The conclusion discusses the future of the news media role in American democracy and analyzes proposed reforms in both the media and the political systems.
Any book is the product of the combined effort of many people whose names never appear in print.
I do not even know the names of the typesetters, production personnel, marketing staff, warehouse clerks, and sales representatives who cooperate in the production and sale of a book. Nevertheless I thank them for their work in making this book a reality. Prentice Hall editor Beth Gillett Mejia has been encouraging throughout the process. Last but not least, words cannot describe my feelings for my family who have supported me through this inexplicable passion to write. Thank you so very much.