thoughts on tabloid journalism, continued

vs.

Which would you rather read?

I will keep this short. This morning I gave a very brief presentation on my project so far. Afterwards I came to the realization that I haven't quite been exactly clear when it comes to the "censorship" that America experiences today. I believe that tabloid journalism acts as self-censorship. As an American citizen, I feel that I, along with the millions of other people living in this country, have a duty to remain aware of the world around us, not just Hollywood.

I will continue to update as I find more interesting sources.

-Matt

"The Blog of War"

How does the U.S. military react to soldiers' blogs on the internet? Recently the Department of Defense started monitoring "warbloggers", servicemen and women who actively post pictures, stories, and videos from the front lines of America's War on Terror.

Two years ago, in 2006, Matthew Currier Burden, a former major in the US Army, published a collection of military blogs in his book, The Blog of War. I came across the book in my research, which I've started reading recently. It definitely raises the question of how this information affects national security and our nation's military strategy overseas--is this too much? Is it worth risking the lives of Americans to know every aspect of the War on Terror? If you're interested you can read more on Burden's website, www.blackfive.net, one of many military blogs online today.

Additionally, the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) sued the Department of Defense in January of the following year (for a PDF copy of the actual lawsuit, click here), citing that the public had a right to know how the military had been investigating websites and blogs for possible classified information posted by servicemen and women, information protected by the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). The information was eventually released and were posted on the EFF's website.

What I also find quite interesting is the lack of coverage in American news sources. I found a lot about the EFF lawsuit from British news sources, like The Guardian, a UK-based technology news and opinion website (click here for an editorial written by a columnist). However, searches for American news stories on this lawsuit come up scant--was the DOD involved? How many stories have not been covered by our media networks for reasons of national security?

Modern American Journalism: A Cartoonist's Viewpoint

This 2006 political cartoon by David Horsey (found on the Facts.com/Issues and Controversies database online) confirms my thesis. The image speaks for itself. How much do we hear about Britney Spears (with her increasing health and familial problems) compared to news from Iraq? It is frighteningly unbalanced. Even with attention given to the 2008 election as American picks its next president (and politicians and pundits alike bring up the War in Iraq, among other hot topics related to America's future), little will change when it comes to the country's fixation with tabloid journalism. Has it become a permanent replacement for news?

Lions for Lambs

Last Friday, I went to see a late showing of Lions for Lambs, the new Robert Redford movie about the current war on terrorism. I went into the theater excited to see the film, but I was somewhat disappointed, even though the movie was definitely better than the current selection available at our neighborhood theater (Christmas movies in early November). I was, perhaps, looking for something more controversial and thought-provoking. However, these feelings are slightly unjust: the war and conflict overseas isn’t a black and white issue, and because of all the differing opinions, the only clear fact is that the war affects us all, more than some Americans would like to admit.

The most interesting aspect of the film (even though it becomes irritating) is that it takes place in three locations—an idyllic West-Coast university in California, a rising senator’s office in D.C., and the front lines of fighting in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan—with the events unfolding simultaneously in real-time. A good concept, but the delivery was off-putting, and felt a little tacky (even with the heavyweight cast).

I write about this today because the movie, even with its flaws, touches upon a critical part of what I’m doing: the role of the media in the current war on terror. Meryl Streep’s journalist character scores an important interview with a popular Republican senator, who informs her of his latest military plans for Afghanistan. Fearful of her own motives and reporting, especially within the past six years, she starts question herself. What happens next with her character isn’t surprising, but the film’s conclusion ought to be remembered anyways: there is much more to the news we hear and read about, always.

beginnings

With the advent of new technology and a new era of globalization, news spreads much more quickly than it did before. However, even in light of this, freedom of speech and the press may not be as widespread as people believe.

As the People’s Republic of China emerges as a key player in 21st century interactions, it must come to terms with its controversial government’s control over the news and media, in addition to other human rights and social issues that continue to haunt the country as it enters the global spotlight. Chinese media reform is occurring, perhaps under pressure from others. However, the true extent of liberalization remains unclear. With China appearing in the news more frequently, especially with the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing, how will its government leaders respond?

It is equally important to investigate censorship in America, a democracy that prides itself on its freedom of speech and press. Yet because of current censorship today, mostly involving the fight against terrorism overseas, the American press, one can argue, has shifted its focus to more frivolous, gossip-oriented news. It is an extreme viewpoint, but conceivable. As the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq continue, it becomes important to reexamine the role of the media: do Americans get all the information they need, enough for their future generations to continue the country’s role as a world power?

The cultural implications of these differences—one trying to fit in with the crowd, the other shifting focuses—may play a significant part in determining future roles in global relations. It is important to question the role censorship plays in our everyday lives:

• How much of America's news is censored, and has celebrity news been replacing newsworthy stories? How does news from the front lines of the war against terrorism reach our television sets and newspapers at home?
• What role does the American government play in the news media?
• What does corporate ownership of news sources mean for America?
  
• How is China responding to controversial news topics, especially considering recent coverage of SARS, Avian Bird flu, and lead paint in toys?
• Is China under pressure to lessen the amount of censorship it imposes on its people?

beginnings

With the advent of new technology and a new era of globalization, news spreads much more quickly than it did before. However, even in light of this, freedom of speech and the press may not be as widespread as people believe.

As the People’s Republic of China emerges as a key player in 21st century interactions, it must come to terms with its controversial government’s control over the news and media, in addition to other human rights and social issues that continue to haunt the country as it enters the global spotlight. Chinese media reform is occurring, perhaps under pressure from others. However, the true extent of liberalization remains unclear. With China appearing in the news more frequently, especially with the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing, how will its government leaders respond?

It is equally important to investigate censorship in America, a democracy that prides itself on its freedom of speech and press. Yet because of current censorship today, mostly involving the fight against terrorism overseas, the American press, one can argue, has shifted its focus to more frivolous, gossip-oriented news. It is an extreme viewpoint, but conceivable. As the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq continue, it becomes important to reexamine the role of the media: do Americans get all the information they need, enough for their future generations to continue the country’s role as a world power?

The cultural implications of these differences—one trying to fit in with the crowd, the other shifting focuses—may play a significant part in determining future roles in global relations. It is important to question the role censorship plays in our everyday lives:

• How much of America's news is censored, and has celebrity news been replacing newsworthy stories? How does news from the front lines of the war against terrorism reach our television sets and newspapers at home?
• What role does the American government play in the news media?
• What does corporate ownership of news sources mean for America?
• How is China responding to controversial news topics, especially considering recent coverage of SARS, Avian Bird flu, and lead paint in toys?
• Is China under pressure to lessen the amount of censorship it imposes on its people?