A discussion of the troubled relationship between higher education and the broadcasting industry, beginning with the early days of radio. It explores the effects of TV revenue on college athletics (notably football) and the odds of achieving meaningful reform.

He explores the beginnings of television, the growth of networks, the NCAA decision to control football telecasts, the place of advertising, the role of TV announcers, and the threat of NCAA "Robin Hoods" and the College Football Association to NCAA television control. Taking readers behind the scenes, he explains the culture of the college athletic department and reveals the many ways in which broadcasting dollars make friends in the right places. The work is an eye-opening look at the political infighting invariably produced by the deadly combination of university administrators, athletic czars, and huge revenue.