This book investigates how the American press can improve its role in explaining government operations to the public to foster more informed civic debate. Lewis W. Wolfson, an expert in media studies, examines the symbiotic yet often opaque relationship between journalists and government officials. He argues that the current media landscape creates a distorted view of Washington, and he proposes a framework for more rigorous analysis and increased scrutiny of policy-making processes.

Experts and students of media studies frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the mechanics of political reporting. Readers often note the clarity of the author's critique regarding the structural limitations of the Washington press corps.