The Media and National Security Decision-Making
Abstract
The Operation Iraqi Freedom embedded media program provided a constant flow of breaking news reports to both American and international audiences through television cable channels and their internet web sites. This greatly influenced both audiences opinion of the war fight and the aftermath. National public opinion polls on the conduct of the war changed constantly based on the tenor of the reports from the embedded reporters traveling with U.S. Forces in Iraq and this reporting also influenced decision makers. It is my opinion that national-level decision- making has been altered by this 2417 news coverage and that the embedded media program itself has greatly elevated the media's influence over national-level security decision making. Today's current access to real-time global events adds a new and critical step in national decision-making. The decision-making process and the embeds will serve as a substantial element within the ever-growing informational pillar of national power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423769
Entities
People
- James M. Marye
Organizations
- United States Army War College