Author: Annie Earley
Graduation Year: 2005
Advisor: Diana Owen
Reader: Stephen Farnsworth
Date: 01 May 2006
Link to Thesis:
Historically, the U.S. government and the media have made contentious bedfellows. Reliant on each other to communicate essential messages to the public, the two endlessly battle over access to information. With the government frequently citing national security as their main concern, they often come into conflict with media who serve as a government watchdog on behalf of the American public. There clearly exist two very different agendas, which at times coalesce, and at others, clash. Such strains have become more apparent during the current global war on terror (GWOT) where not only do the media and government disagree over coverage of potential threats, but the business plans of various media put pressure on the coverage of events.
Taking into account many of the variables involved in this sordid relationship, this thesis will illustrate the current tensions placed on the media and government in the post-September 11 world. Given that the “homefront” remains an enemy target in the GWOT, the U.S. is obligated to protect national security while simultaneously upholding the democratic rights for which Americans are fighting. The questions now facing both parties is one of balance: Can the media distribute enough information to the public to foster an informed citizenry without calling attention to security vulnerabilities? And, can the government uphold the democratic rights for which it is fighting and provide necessary information to media? Further, how might they go about doing improving relations while not compromising their respective goals?