CVN basically will not be publishing stories on the current Iraqi War, for the simple reason that it is or can become a divisive issue for many and any reader will get far better coverage from other sources. For those that really feel a desperate need to speak out, we do offer our editorial section, in the weekly, as what we believe is the only truly appropriate forum for Cybertown Members. All editorials will be edited, with edits returned to the writer with explanations of what was edited and why. Send you editorial to jdb_educator@cybertown.com, include your Cybertown nickname. No anonymous editorials will be published, but comments by others will be published to keep your identity secret, if requested.
The demand for Instant News has led to what we all see on Television this week. CNN and other news sources have reporters following with armed units and reporting with the most extensive coverage in the history of Journalism. This is our editorial story, here today.
As I write this, I have CNN on the tube in the other room. The why is the interesting story to me. My wife avoids the news and asks me to change the channel. Her why is also an interesting story, which will not be discussed here. We both remember and watched the first Gulf War in 1991. We watched with fear, concern, amazement and even disgust as the 24/7 coverage ran on and on and on. Our fear and concerns were for family members involved and who were in the action over there.
This time around, we still have the possibility of family members being called up, but it is unlikely. Some of you may have family involved. This writer offers prayers on your and their behalf as well as for everyone involved and affected by the current conflict.
Here is the point of this editorial: Government management of information and disinformation has moved to a new level simply because it is instant, on demand news. The media has no choice but to bow to security needs in most of its reporting. Is this good or bad? We choose not to judge! Both Iraq and Coalition news sources will use the news to put out what they want the world to see. Post conflict stories will analyze this experience and should provide the world with so much information about what was true, what was false and why it was presented. This war and the reporting will be studied for years to come. This war may become a topic of investigation for years to come as our world moves closer and closer together in the search for effective relationships among nations.
I have tried to analyze why I watch, and encourage you to do so for yourself. I think I watch for the following reasons (just because I analyze, does not mean I have correctly analyzed (grin) ):
1. I'm curious. I want to know what is happening.
2. I am amazed at what Instant News is able to produce
3. I want to see how governments manage, manipulate and use the news (political control of news has always been a goal for every government)
4. Perhaps like many others I watch because it is there. It is about people in the most basic way. It is a story of life, death, heroes, villains, good and evil.... And will change the world in both expected and unexpected ways.
Rather than going on for pages, I will now leave you with a simple question: Why are you watching or avoiding watching this news? An honest reflection and answer will tell you many things about you!
