The Military and the Media: Historical Perspective and Prospective Study of the Relationship
Abstract
This thesis includes an historical overview of the U.S. military- media relationship and a prospective study of what the future holds. The relationship is reviewed from its colonial roots to the controversy over Grenada. Accounts of the Civil War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean War, and Vietnam War are given, describing the changing nature of warfare, the growth of propaganda, the role of censorship, and the development of media through technological change. Emphasis is given to Vietnam and Grenada. Reports of both the government-appointed Sidle Commission and the privately-funded Twentieth Century Task Force are analyzed. Maj. Gen. Sidle gives his views on progress in reaction to his panel's findings, while a Pentagon spokesman discusses the military's efforts from his perspective. The prospective study is based upon a questionnaire. Respondents were military cadets from the University of Missouri-Columbia's Army, Navy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training programs and students in the University School of Journalism. Journalism and military students appear to be culturally divided on many issues. The thesis points to a need for change in journalism and military educational programs for greater mutual understanding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA166404
Entities
People
- Dwight C. Daniels
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology