Introduction. 1. From Review to Press Release 2. The Review on the Radio: the Today Programme and the World at One 3. Television News Coverage 4. The Review in the Press: National, Ethnic Minority, and Local Newspaper Coverage 5. Conclusion: a case of media distortion? Epilogue: Questions about the media, democracy, and social science

In recent years, the importance of disseminating the findings of social research has been given increased emphasis. The most effective way in which this can be done is via the mass media. However, there are frequent complaints that media coverage of social and educational research is very limited and often distorted. Through a detailed analysis of a particular case about ethnic inequalities in educational achievement, this book examines some of the processes involved in the reporting of research findings, and their implications for judgements about media distortion and bias. This volume is relevant to many fields, including education, media studies, cultural studies, sociology and social policy.

Martyn Hammersley is Professor of Educational and Social Research at the Open University, UK. His most recent books are: Taking Sides in Social Research (also published by Routledge), and Educational Research, Policy Making and Practice.