Distorting Defense: Network News and National Security

(Hardback)

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Description

Using journalists' own standards as the measure, an exhaustive analysis of nearly 3000 network news reports from the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations reveals that the network may do more to misinform than inform on a whole range of complex issues related to national defense. This study paints a disturbing picture of the inadequate coverage ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, and NBC Nightly News provide to millions of viewers each night. Aubin concludes that network coverage of defense issues was too often tainted by preconceived attitudes and lapses in journalistic standards.

Reviews

Aubin's well-written book, Distorting Defense: Network News and National Security, should be read by those who desire fully to comprehend how much the CNN effect affects US national defense and security. . . . [C]learly authenticates the problematic coverage of defense and security news. * Military Review *
[A]n easy and rewarding read for people with interests that range from domestic broadcasting to coverage of foreign policy. * Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly *
[T]he book is an analysis of nearly 3000 network news reports from Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations on ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, and NBC Nightly News. The author provides nearly a dozen recommendations for improvement, chiefly more specialized and trained reporting. * Communication Booknotes Quarterly *

Author Bio

STEPHEN P. AUBIN has specialized in national security affairs for nearly two decades. He has written widely on defense policy and media issues and has held editorial positions at a number of publications, including Military Intelligence Magazine, Defense Media Review, Air Power History, and Strategic Review.