The Index of Dependency plots the growth of federal programs thatsubstitute for similar initiatives at lower levels of governmentand civil society. It increased during the 60s and 70s due tothe federal government's proliferation, and also since 1980 becauseof administrations' reluctance to reduce the federal government'ssize.
To understand the modern media, it helps to view journalists as similar to alcoholics or drug addicts. This analogy will help you understand Newsroom Confidential: Lessons (and Worries) from an Ink-Stained Life, the new book by Margaret Sullivan.