COMS 361 - Lecture 4, Television and the Gulf War

War and Propaganda

Introduction to Propaganda in War

• Propaganda is an essential aspect of modern warfare.

• The Gulf War, occurring in the early 1990s, serves as a significant example.

Overview of the Gulf War

• The war was instigated by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

• American and Western coalition forces engaged to respond to the invasion.

• The US administration initiated a large-scale propaganda effort following the conflict's outbreak.

Purpose of Propaganda in the Gulf War

• The primary goal was to ‘sell the war’ to the American public and skeptics.

• Justification for entering the war was crucial, portraying it as a necessary action for Western interests.

• Saddam Hussein was framed as a threat to the West, enhancing the need for military action.

Elements of Propaganda Effort

• Various entities contributed to the propaganda effort:

  • Military Control of Information: Managed how information was disseminated to the public.

  • Embedded Journalists: Embedded reporting provided first-hand coverage while keeping a controlled narrative.

  • Public Relations Strategies: Crafted the message to shape public perception of the conflict.

  • Media Involvement: Included extensive collaboration with wider media outlets, particularly television.

Role of Television

• Television emerged as a pivotal medium during the Gulf War:

  • Offered live coverage that engaged audiences.

  • Changed how war reporting was conducted, with constant updates and comprehensive coverage.

  • Seen as the centerpiece in garnering public support for the war.

Impact on Journalism and Propaganda

• The Gulf War's coverage influenced journalism profoundly:

  • An Aljazeera report titled "The Listening Post's Jason Mojica" reflects on the media's role in the war.

  • Journalism has been affected by the methods and strategies employed during the Gulf War, with lasting effects on propaganda practices.