?Morgan analyzes in depth the role played by agency press information officers--flacks--in the federal government from 1974 to 1984. He examines the media-government relationship below the White House level and in particular the role and significance of media relation officers....' The author used interviews and questionnaires to gather much of his data. The analysis is presented in two parts: micro-relations between reporters and flacks, and macro-political relationships focusing on presidential successes and failures at opinion formulation.... The final chapter draws conclusions, the main one being that notwithstanding flacks, American reporters remain remarkably free to challenge the holders of power. Ample notes, bibliography. Public and academic libraries, lower division through graduate.?-Choice