Beginning with an exposition of the four most widely argued theories of the press, this book goes on to explore several critical perspectives on the tasks and roles of print and broadcast news media in the United States. The author sets out critical analyses of several hotly debated issues, including news balance and objectivity, freedom of the press, and news coverage of minorities. After an appraisal of the present condition of journalism education in the United States, the author provides both complete and annotated professional guidelines and mission statements from key advertising, broadcasting, and print media organizations.