By virtue of the different natures of the two institutions, the relationship between business and the media is simultaneously adversarial and symbiotic: the media see themselves as society's watchdog while business sees itself as society's driving economic force. Meanwhile, business relies on the media for information, and the media rely on business for advertising revenue. While business news coverage has existed for 400 years, its recent growth has led to a strain in the relationship of the two institutions. Although studies have yielded a variety of complaints about the media from business, four general criticisms are stated most frequently: (1) simplistic reporting of complex issues and problems; (2) careless, negligent, and inaccurate reporting; (3) exaggeration and sensational reporting; and (4) overemphasizing negative news, an indication of an antibusiness bias. Although not all criticism of the media by business is justified, poor coverage may be partly explained by inadequate media staff and training, reporter carelessness or negligence, and a preference for sensationalism. In spite of the adversarial relationship between media and business, possible solutions to some of the problems between them include increased objectivity, better communication, and greater mutual respect. (JL)