The Final Frontier: News Media's Use of Commercial Satellite Imagery during Wartime
Abstract
It is a long-held belief that the news media will go to almost any length to get a story. Television reporters have waded into the middle of civil war firefights to show viewers and readers human suffering up close, used hidden-camera tricks to flush out stories on consumer fraud, and even laid down their lives to expose human rights atrocities by international governments. Over the last 10 years, in the midst of a telecommunications revolution, the media can now gather and report stories in ways that once seemed impossible. The advent of commercial satellite imaging has made it possible for print and broadcast media to show photographs and report stories that otherwise may have gone unnoticed. This is especially true during military conflicts like the Global War on Terrorism, where reporters cannot always get access to engagements due to safety and security reasons. However, satellites orbiting hundred of miles above the earth's surface have replaced the cameraman and photographer on the ground in many cases, with their ability to look down into forbidden areas and capture stories. During wartime, access to the battlefield is a critical issue and satellite technology has made this more contentious than ever. Both the news media and the U.S. government are trying to come to terms with exactly what, if any, restrictions should be placed on this technology, due to its intrusive nature and possible ramifications on national security. The purpose of this research paper is to explore how the mass media uses satellite imaging to gather information during wartime and determine what impact this technology has had, and will have, on advancing the art of news telling during armed conflict. Does satellite imagery impact the U.S. military's ability to effectively wage war in Afghanistan and Iraq? What challenges does this technology present for future military conflicts?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA475592
Entities
People
- Sean S. Mckenna
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College