The way in which United States journalists covered the views of the South African black leader Steven Biko both before his death in prison in 1977 and after it is examined in this paper. Press coverage of Biko's death is first described; it is noted that journalists wrote of his great stature and significance and of his "moderate and responsible" views. Next, an analysis is presented of the coverage by the New York "Times" and the Washington "Post" between 1969 and 1977 of such topics as South Africa, Biko, the South African black consciousness movement, other black leaders in South Africa, and black consciousness organizations founded by Biko. It is concluded that the coverage did not provide readers with adequate understanding of Biko, his organizations, or his life, nor did it explain later assertions regarding his great stature and significance and his "moderate and responsible" views. Reporters' difficulties in reporting foreign events adequately, particularly when--as was the case with South Africa--they are permitted very limited access to a country are then discussed in interviews with "Times" and "Post" reporters. Finally, it is suggested that reporters should have taken advantage of the expertise of United States scholars of South African black politics. (GW)