The role of media in military practices
The history of media in military can be traced back to ancient times when technological advancement in mass media was just a dream. Influential people in ancient government had no way of engaging the masses as the channels available for influence were limited. Powerful leaders would only advance their doctrines through arts and monuments, use of coins, cultural performances among others. However, the dramatic changes brought by different phases of war forced the governments around the globe to to exploit the most ideal channel for public persuasion. It is at this point that technology paved way for mass production of newspaper, print materials and production of movies to allow huge penetration to the audience. Media would be used to as a tool for reaching young men to join the army and also to inform the public of the government interest in different undertakings. With this knowledge, it is clear that the relationship between the media and the military has come of age. In spite of this revelation, the existing literature continues to paint an image of a complicated relationship between military and media resulting from different cultures, job expectations from the people they serve, the level of secrecy expected from their operations among other factors.
Mass media since the advent of war has undergone through a tremendous transformation with each phase leaving behind a having its fair share of history relating to the role of media and how it has evolved with time. For instance during the first world war, the media was used to mobilize the population although it was still operating under censorship as military though it was unwise to allow it access all information relating to their operations (Hoskins & O’loughlin, 2010). During the Second World War, the media was used as a tool of spreading propaganda and mobilizing the mass. Events in Vietnam War were captured trough film and also saw an influx on international journalist in combat zones (Gaudelli, Crocco & Hawkins, 2012). Further evolution in the media industry saw the events during the gulf war of 1991 being captured through the satellite and also incorporated live broadcast to enlighten the mass of progress of operations. These developments have formed the basis upon which the military media relationship is evaluated.. This paper will use the documented literature from the media and cultural to practices to show how analyze and discuss the relationship between the media and military has changed over time and determine to which extent media can be considered and integral part of military practices.