Includes bibliographical references and index.

Radford (managing editor, Skeptical Inquirer) decries the American media culture as one filled with lies, deceptions, and just plain meaninglessness. He comments about everything from smaller candy packages being labeled as being a "fun size" to broadcast news laziness about revelations that the United States government has been engaged in manufacturing weapons-grade anthrax. Alarmism and sensationalism are dissected and denounced and the harms of the deceptive media culture are discussed. Annotation #160;2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Advertising and the Illusion of Meaning -- Advertising and the Illusion of Meaning -- Advertising, News, and Entertainment -- The Media Perspective -- The News Bias: Distorting Reality and Feeding Fears -- Illusions of Participation and Influence -- Tears in the Camera Eye -- Tragedy as License to Abandon Responsible Journalism -- The Changing Face of News -- Profiting from fear and myth -- Cashing in on Crises and Manufacturing Martyrs -- Emotional Legislation: Solutions without Problems -- The Wages of Fear: Consequences of a Public Blinded by Myths -- Losing Trust and Resources -- Threats to Life and Health -- Threats to Freedom and Justice -- Toward Solutions.