This volume investigates the phenomenon of media censorship and bias, presenting stories that are systematically excluded from mainstream news coverage. The book draws on the work of Project Censored, an organization dedicated to uncovering and disseminating these suppressed narratives, utilizing a democratic selection process involving students, faculty, and judges to determine the year's most significant censored stories. The authors, including Andy Lee Roth and Peter C.B. Phillips, compile these stories with updates from the original investigative reporters, offering a critical examination of media's role in shaping public discourse.

The Censored series, including this 2009 volume, is recognized for its critical examination of media practices and its commitment to highlighting underreported stories. The methodology, involving student and faculty input alongside expert judges, lends a unique democratic legitimacy to its selection process. This approach positions the book as a vital resource for understanding the narratives that fall outside the purview of conventional news cycles, offering a counterpoint to dominant media perspectives.