Media Access to United States Military Operations: Grenada and Beyond
Abstract
This thesis examines the current issues involving media access to United States military battlefield events during combat operations. It first surveys the historical evolution of the relationship between the United States military and the media from the Revolutionary War to the Grenada Rescue Operation. The study the focuses on the debate that immediately followed the media exclusion during operations in Grenada, including examination of the military's justification for the exclusion and the media's arguments to justify media coverage of combat operations. The analysis includes examination of Supreme Court decisions that set precedents for either media access or media exclusion from government activities. Post Grenada developments are examined to determine the current condition of the military/media relationship, and media access to combat operations, including role and benefits of the Department of Defense National Media Pool. Interviews were conducted with military and medical representatives concerning the effectiveness of the measures taken to conduct military operations in a manner that safeguards the military and protects the security of the operation while allowing the media to keep the public informed. The thesis concludes with recommendations to improve and enhance military/media relations. (cp)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA225841
Entities
People
- Marlys M. Campbell
Organizations
- Kansas State University