Project Censored, the nationally-known media studies program at Sonoma State University, has released its list of the most important news stories neglected by the corporate media last year. The Project compiles a yearly list of the top most-censored news stories and is now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Full-text summaries of the most neglected news stories, and updates from authors, may be downloaded for publication if giving full credit to the sources and to Project Censored.

They are available at www.projectcensored.org/intro.htm. A description of how the stories are selected and of the judges working on the project is also included.

Below are the top 10 of the 25 most-censored stories for 2000:

1. World Bank and Multinational Corporations Seek to Privatize Water.
Global consumption of water is doubling every 20 years and multinational corporations are trying to monopolize water supplies around the world.

2. OSHA Fails to Protect U.S. Workers.
Each year, about 6,000 workers die on the job from accidents and another 50,000 to 70,000 workers die annually from "occupationally acquired diseases" and OSHA is not capable of effectively overseeing U.S. workplaces.

3. U.S. Army's Psychological Operations Personnel Worked at CNN.
From June 1999 to March 2000 military specialists in "psychological operations" worked in CNN's Southeast TV bureau and radio division.

4. Did the U.S. Deliberately Bomb the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade?
Elements within the CIA may have deliberately targeted the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, without NATO approval.

5. U.S. Taxpayers Underwrite Global Nuclear Power Plant Sales.
The U.S. tax-supported Export-Import Bank is backing the overseas activities of U.S. nuclear contractors such as Westinghouse, Bechtel, and General Electric.

6. International Report Blames U.S. and Others for Genocide in Rwanda.
A report released by a panel affiliated with the Organization for African Unity charges Bill Clinton and his administration allowed the genocide of 500,000 to 800,000 people in Rwanda in 1994.

7. Independent Study Points to Dangers of Genetically-Altered Foods.
The actual process of genetic alteration itself may cause damage to mammalian digestive and immune systems.

8. Drug Companies Influence Doctors and Health Organizations to Push Meds.
Pharmaceutical companies are reaping big profits by promoting forced
drug use through programs at the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

9. EPA Plans to Disburse Toxic/Radioactive Wastes into Denver's Sewage System.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to pump toxic wastewater into Denver's sewer system.

10. Silicon Valley Uses Immigrant Engineers to Keep Salaries Low.
High-skilled H1-B immigrant workers in Silicon Valley are being exploited by Silicon Valley employers.

The 25th Anniversary Edition of Censored 2001, from Seven Stories Press, is now available in bookstores nationwide.

Censored 2001, features the 25 top most-censored stories for 2000, and follow-ups of the stories from 1999. This year's book also includes a listing of the top ten stories since 1976, and a full historical review of its Junk Food News stories.

In honor of its 25th Anniversary, Project Censored is hosting the Press Freedom Conference & Alternative News Media Exposition, April 27-29 at San Francisco State University. Program information about this event is available on the Project Censored web site.