War and the Media

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the 1990 Gulf War, more than any other U.S. military action, showed how important a role the media played in international politics. It looks at how television in particular was the most efficient way for governments to develop and invoke their ideals into the public eye. It examines how every cable news channel in the U.S. carried the latest news and information packed full of images, video and fast sound bites, all in the place of perspective and analysis and shows how analysis and perspective was left for the magazines and newspapers.

From the Paper:

"By the second day, the obligatory war coverage was joined by more opinion and political coverage. The papers seem careful to not take a position directly contrary to the war effort, but with smugness that only can be found in east coast journalism, these two papers began debating who the most charismatic TV talking head had been on the opening night of armed conflict. A Washington Times article asked "TV talkers: Who did it best?" Another piece lit matches between the toes of democratic congressmen George Mitchell and Tom Foley, reminding them how difficult it would be in the days ahead to stay opposed to a popular president who is executing a popular war."

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