A guide to news media, this book describes how to tell when a report is biased; provides tips on spotting hoaxes and public relations ploys in the news; gives standards to judge expert opinion and reliable sources; lists critics and other sources of help for the news consumer; discusses the endless contest among politicians, newsmen, and consumers; guides consumers through comprehensive source notes for personal research into the news; and discusses the ethics and economics of the newsroom, the reporter's many daily pitfalls, and the muss and hub-bub of life which are processed into news stories. (HOD)