The sociological study described in this volume, based on extensive interviews with more than 1300 practicing journalists, is one of the first large-scale national inquiries dealing with an occupational group. Interview statistics are used to paint a portrait of the people who make their living as full-time disseminators of news: those who work for radio and television, wire services and syndicates, news magazines, daily and weekly newspapers, and some of the journalists in the alternative media. Information is included on social characteristics, education and training, career patterns, job functions, political affiliations, professional status, and the behavior of both print and broadcast journalists. Results indicate that, generally, newspeople tend to be young, male, and from middle-class or upper-middle-class social backgrounds. The rising consciousness of minority groups, the salary differences between men and women in the media, and the influence of "underground" publications on mainstream media are also discussed. Statistical information is presented in an appendix. (Author/KS)