Examines the way in which United States journalists covered the views of the South African Black leader Steven Biko both before and after his death in prison in 1977; concludes that the coverage did not provide readers with an adequate understanding of Biko, his organizations, or his life. (GT)

The way in which United States journalists covered the views of the South African black leader Steven Biko both before his death in prison in 1977 and after it is examined in this paper. Press coverage of Biko's death is first described; it is noted that journalists wrote of his great stature and significance and of his "moderate and…

The role of the black journalist in South Africa is contradictory, precarious, and permeated with politics. There is little freedom of expression for blacks in South Africa, yet white-owned newspapers have expanded their coverage of black news, and some have special editions for black readers. As a result, the English language press is using more…

While the government of South Africa has outwardly promoted democracy since 1983, it nonetheless has placed its press under tight constraint to discourage dissent concerning political issues and enhance the government's credibility. Not only are journalists within the country restricted, but foreign correspondents as well. Moreover, although there…