This hard-hitting critique of our media culture examines not only the ways in which the public is often deceived, but the media's role in propagating those deceptions. But goes beyond criticism to give concrete examples of the damage that manipulation of the news causes. From missing children to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, from the efforts to end slavery to AIDS education, myths and deception in the media threaten us all. While the public is being misled, real problems go unaddressed and resources are wasted on misguided ideas.

In an increasingly complex world, where accurate and unbiased information is more important than ever, this book provides a timely and much-needed analysis.