In this forum I have read a few remarks stating that Bitstream News Gothic is actually Trade Gothic, and it honestly looks that way if you compare the two. This list of Bitstream font aliases actually lists several "real names" inluding Lightline Gothic.

I was recently looking through a 1995 CA Design Annual and came across a Potlatch piece called "Vintage Type" designed by Kit Hinrichs (Pentagram). The spread showed an old ATF book with a digital News Gothic -- Bitstream News Gothic. I know Mr. Hinrichs has used this type before, so is it possible that he simply doesn't know any better? Or is it possible that Bitstream's version is based on a smaller size since it's not as narrow as other News Gothics? I think it's really curious...