Relationships between mass-media coverage of international affairs and university-based expertise in international, language, and area studies are investigated. The report is presented in three major sections. Section I poses issues for debate: How important is media in informing the American public about world affairs? Does it really matter if people are informed? and How can the autonomy and integrity of the media be maintained? Ideas for action are also posed and include improving survey data about interest in international news, presenting the local angle on international news, and encouraging media cooperation with world affairs experts in universities. Section II explores the connection between the media and universities in international affairs. Topics discussed include strengthening the connection, improving career education in media-related fields, and reviewing research on the media and on international affairs. Section III relates American understanding of world problems to the media and to institutions of higher education. The conclusion is that area and language studies have improved greatly in recent years but that not enough attention has been paid to the professional information needs of journalists and others in the field of mass media. A bibliography concludes the report. (DB)