Coverage of Chicanos by the news media, almost nonexistent until the mid-1960s, still has not achieved full balance or objectivity. It is important for media personnel to develop greater competence in handling Chicano coverage since the Latino group, of which Chicanos are the largest segment, are the nation's fastest growing population group and--contrary to their portrayal by the media as a regional group--are dispersed throughout the United States. Research studies on media coverage of Chicanos have shown that coverage, generally low, has been concentrated in periods when Chicanos are either the subject of public issues or perceived as posing a threat to the established order; that stereotypical symbols, often with negative connotations, have been used to designate Chicano groups; that reporters covering Chicanos tend to rely on non-Chicano sources; and that coverage of Chicanos has tended to emphasize negative aspects of the community. A study of 1977-1978 California newspaper coverage of undocumented Chicano workers, or "illegal aliens," shows that reporters relied heavily on Anglo law enforcement and public officials as sources, rather than on representatives of immigrant organizations, legal agencies, Latino groups, and the academic community, and consequently portrayed the undocumented workers as law enforcement or public problems. (GW)