The Military and the Media: A Question of Ethics

Abstract

The military and the media have had a rocky association since at least the American Civil War, but the relationship has taken a decidedly negative turn over the past 25 to 30 years. It is the author's assertion that the major factor in this deterioration was the abandoning of basic core ethical values by the government, the military, and the media, especially during the Vietnam War period. This paper defines ethics and ethical conduct for both groups and individuals. It then reviews the history of military/media relationships from the Civil War period through Desert Storm from an ethical point of view. The ethical failures of the government, the military, and the media are discussed, concentrating on the Vietnam War. Numerous examples are presented to support the base assumption. The paper concludes by offering some suggestions for improving the relationship.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA280419

Entities

People

  • Thomas S. Yarbrough

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Civil War
  • Communication Equipment
  • Flight Training
  • Governments
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Political Systems
  • Standards
  • Students
  • United States
  • Vietnam War
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.