Media Influence and its Effects on Military Operations

Abstract

The military has not placed the proper emphasis on public affairs, and a failure by the military to develop an effective public affairs campaign prior to the start of any operation could result in the compromise of operational security and/or a deterioration of public trust and confidence. The media play an ever-increasing role in shaping public opinion and thus influencing military operations as we progress into the information age. The television news media have a great deal of impact on the news decision making process which, in turn, guides what Americans view on their television screens. The media also have a great deal to do with the action viewers will take on certain issues by determining what bits of information the public will see and hear as well as what they will not see and hear. Due to the rapid increases in communications technology such as data links, satellite uplinks, and digital imagery, it is no longer practical nor possible for field commanders to conduct security reviews of reporters' video or copy. Therefore, security reviews are no longer a practical means to maintain operational security or prevent the compromise of sensitive or classified information. Military field commanders face new and difficult challenges from maintaining operational security to dealing with a more demanding and technologically advanced news media. Handling these challenges will require military leaders at every level to integrate news media planning at all levels of planning. A failure to properly integrate and coordinate with news media organizations can lead to the compromise of national security, operational security, and the deterioration of public trust and confidence. Any of these failures would degrade military operations and could result in the loss of American lives. The military should create a seventh "Battlespace function" of Information Warfare, in which public affairs plays a major role.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA529087

Entities

People

  • Ronald D. Hahn

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combat Operations
  • Command And Control
  • Data Links
  • Department Of Defense
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • International Organizations
  • Military Applications
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • New York
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • International Journalism and Media Studies.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space