Bernard Kalb is journalist, author and co-host on the weekly CNN program Reliable Sources, which turns a critical lens on the media. Broadcast Saturday 6:30 p.m. (EST); Sunday 11:30 a.m.(EST). Now in its seventh year, it is the only TV program that regularly scrutinizes the media as to coverage and objectivity in reporting on major issues. Panelists include prominent journalists and commentators from newspapers, magazines and TV.

From Moscow to Peking, from Antarctica to Saigon, from one Mid-East country to another--Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria--on the "diplomatic shuttle," Bernard Kalb has traveled the globe for more than three decades as a correspondent covering world affairs for CBS News, NBC News and The New York Times. Beyond experience in both print and television journalism, he has had the unique advantage of seeing the world from "the other side of the podium," having served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and as Spokesman for the State Department for two years, until his resignation in October 1986 to protest a "disinformation program" by the Reagan Administration. "In his final official act," William Safire wrote in the Times, "Bernard Kalb rose above 'State Department Spokesman' to become the spokesman for all Americans who respect and demand the truth."

Kalb travels widely as lecturer and moderator -- at home and abroad -- on subjects ranging from the media to US foreign policy. Overseas, to moderate Freedom Forum panels focusing on the media under siege: 1999 to date includes India; 1998 Israel, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Finland, Argentina, Chile; 1997: Viet Nam, Southeast Asia, Australia, London; 1996 includes Hong Kong, Israel, Latin America, South Africa. In '95: Saigon, for review of media-military relations 20 years after end of Viet Nam war; Venice, for conference sponsored by Elie Wiesel on resolving global conflicts. Plus, among other assignments: Rio for TV documentary on Earth Summit; Moscow (December 1991) for conference on "Anatomy of Hatred" including meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev just before his resignation; New Delhi for TV documentary on India (PBS, 1991). Juror for several years on DuPont-Columbia awards committee to choose best TV and radio reports of the year. Keynote speaker, Columbia School of Journalism annual conference on state of the media (Jan 1995). Oh yes -- a film career of thirty seconds playing himself in the 1993 movie "DAVE."

Over the years, he has eye-witnessed prime-time history. As State Department spokesman, accompanied US delegation when President Reagan held first summit with Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva, November 1985. As television correspondent, covered President Nixon on opening trip to China in 1972; reported on Presidents and Secretaries of State dating back to Nixon and Kissinger on diplomatic journeys. Spent decade and a half as foreign correspondent based in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Paris and Saigon.

Fellowship at Freedom Forum Media Studies Center, Columbia University; fellowship at Council on Foreign Relations, NY; Overseas Press Club Award for CBS documentary, "Viet Cong," based on years of reporting on the war in Viet Nam. Co-author, with brother Marvin Kalb, of Kissinger, a full selection of The Book of the Month Club, and The Last Ambassador, a novel about the collapse of Saigon in 1975. Articles in various publications including The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, The Smithsonian and Newsweek on subjects ranging from foreign affairs to the collecting of Chinese porcelain and antiques.