"A systematic inquiry into world news agencies, with a focus on the relationship between those of the developed and developing world. Boyd-Barrett examines the four major Western-based news agencies in particular - Reuters, the Associated Press, United Press International and Havas Agence France Press - in their dual role as both national and world news agencies, discussing their history, ownership, control, revenues, resources and range of services. The book shows that while the news agencies' role in the Third World is an important issue, it must also be seen in relation to their viability in their own developed world and points out the various pitfalls involved in the delivery of international news. All in all, this is one of the best possible sources for a critical examination of news agencies and their service role and for an explanation of the production of news, itself a fragile commodity." (Eleanor Blum, Frances G. Wilhoit: Mass media bibliography. 3rd ed. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1990 Nr. 42)