The Next War: Live?

Abstract

Dunsmore is of the view that “live” reporting in war, not in peacekeeping, is so controversial, potentially so damaging to the national interest, that any administration would be driven to impose severe limitations on such coverage without fear of a public backlash. After all, he concludes, “live” coverage is not protected by the First Amendment, not synonymous with “the public’s right to know,” and not essential to the “practice of good journalism.” Obviously, during war, such a rational set of conclusions may run into the reality of ferociously irrational competition among American and foreign networks that could undermine the best of journalistic intentions.