Intended for non-professional groups trying to make inputs into the political system but having limited access to the mass media, this manual reviews and criticizes the current status of power in the communications industry, especially in regard to ownership and control of the flow of information. Government/media relations are discussed, particularly the laws pertaining to the use of broadcast media. The emphasis of the manual is on the variety of actions groups can take to gain access to media channels, through advertising, talk shows, panel shows, and invitations to make editorial comments. In addition to a descriptive bibliography the manual also provides Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing information and listings of citizens groups lobbying for public rights in broadcasting. (MC)