The improved relationship between news media and news makers has led to a decrease of bias in news reporting, said Steve Bell, anchorman at KYW-TV in Philadelphia, last night in the HUB.

"The media have come a long way from cynicism," said Bell. "In America there is the best, fairest and most comprehensive news coverage."

His presentation on the media's responsibility in international affairs was sponsored by the Undergraduate Student Government's Department of Political and International Affairs.

Bell said the most important aspect of the reporter-news maker relationship is the effective communication by news makers.

"Ronald Reagan had a unique capacity to get from Congress what he wanted," said Bell. Reagan was a great communicator, Bell added, and that is a necessity in a time of crisis.

Another factor that affects the ties between reporter and source is the challenge of governing in the media age, said Bell.

In today's world, technology has made it possible to go anywhere in the world and cover the news live, said Bell.

However, he said the media must be cautious when focusing all resources on one story.

"Distortion can result from the magnification of reality," said Bell. "Today the public is hit with so much raw, unfiltered language that they have to have better judgment than in the old days."

Following his lecture, Bell answered questions from the audience concerning the media's recent roles in Panama, Eastern Europe and China.

"I feel it was a successful turnout," said Amy Dusch, a member of the department sponsoring the event. "He is very entertaining."

Jim Dooling, a member of the USG's Department of Political and International Affairs, said Bell delivered an "insightful and very interesting speech."