The Media and the Military: An Historical and Cultural Examination.

Abstract : Historically, two of the institutions that have been traditionally linked to the defense of the Constitution have found themselves increasingly at odds with one another. There is, and has been for years, a genuine problem in basic military-media relations. This paper examines this relationship in a historical sense, from the Revolutionary to present day operations. It attempts to focus on the evolution of the military-media relationship and how and why it is what it remains today. Specifically, the military's handling of the press during the Gulf War is examined in greater detail to explore each institution's approach to the media relations. The inherent cultures of the two institutions are markedly different. This has resulted in an inherent culture clash between the media and the military, and this paper explores the roots of this conflict. By gaining a greater understanding of this culture clash, it is hoped that each side can better understand the other's position regarding the need for military security, and the press' obligation to report the news. This paper concludes by recognizing the fact that the military and the media must establish as fact that they really need each other. Non-cooperation by the press can impair military options. Conversely, the American public has a right to know what the military is doing.