Should Members of the Military be Concerned about Television News Coverage of Military Operations?
Abstract
This study provides historical perspective of how the press was controlled during war before television became a major news source. It provides background on the nature of television as a news medium and identifies controls setup to ensure fairness in television news broadcast. These controls are explained to show actions taken to prevent the networks from exploiting their perceived power. The study examines significant events in 1968, during the Vietnam War, showing how they were covered by the television networks. It seeks to show how a credibility gap formed between the military and the press. The study then points out some efforts taken since Vietnam to improve the military media relationship. Study conclusions include: Television coverage of the war in 1968 was biased; 2) The credibility gap lead to the hostile relationship between the military and the press 3) There was a breakdown in the unity of command in the executive and legislative branches of the federal government; and 4) Though the impact is not fully identified herein, television influenced the decline of a president. Members of the military should therefore be concerned about television coverage of wartime operations. The concern should be over the possibility of biased and distorted coverage or manipulation of film footage on the national and international levels. Theses. (EDC)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADB135563
Entities
People
- Larry Watson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College