sd099211@ohio.edu
What a scary, yet exhilarating feeling it would be to run out on the battlefield and report in the middle of the action. You don't know what will happen next, but it's worth it because of the experiences that you will gain as a reporter. No matter the horrifying things that you may see, you constantly go back so you can share what is going on with the world.
The military doesn't look at it the same way. In fact, the military isn't the biggest fan of journalists even being out on the battlefield, let alone the front line. The big risk is that certain news will leak too early. A unit position could be blown, or a family member could find out about a loved one who has been killed before the government has had a chance to talk with them.
(Via Google Images)
Obeying the Rules
I think that having journalists out on the battlefield is a great idea. This truly does allow our country to be fully involved in the war, and to know what is happening most of the time. New technology has allowed Americans to see an in-depth view of exactly what is going on.
Journalists are forced to sign a contract when they join these embedded journalists units saying that military personnel will be able to read their reports, and that they won't release any reports until the military has approved them. This being for the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
If journalists would strictly abide by this rule, there wouldn't be any problems, and reporters would be accepted with open arms to report on the battle field. The only way that the military can win the battles that they enter into is by working together. There are so many small things that could happen that could change the outcome of a war, so everyone has to be on the same page.
If you aint first, you're last
Everyone wants to be the first to know things so they can share it with everyone else. This is especially true when it comes to journalists. We all want the best information and we want to tell everyone right now.
This type of news-sharing has to change when you are overseas in the middle of a war. Reporting the death of a soldier before the Department of Defense get's a chance to console the family shouldn't happen. It is too emotional of an event to be found out on the internet. Social Media sites allow anyone to post a picture, or tweet live news with the touch of a button. Whether the information is right or wrong, it will be broadcast for the world to see. This is a very dangerous tool.
As journalists, it is our duty to report the news by doing it honestly. Being the first to report on an event means nothing if the information isn't correct. A rumor could arise from a local paper and spread to major news stations. It's important to check your sources, and to make sure you have all the facts straight before reporting a story that could embarrass a reporter, and lose credibility for a news station.
The Positives
Despite the potential harm that arises, having journalists on the battlefield is a great thing. Reporting allows the country to be fully involved in what is happening. It can warn the U.S of any possible dangers, as well as highlight the heroic acts performed by soldiers.
When the U.S stays informed about the war, our spirits are high, and our sense of patriotism is strong. We feel respect and gratitude for those who risk their lives to protect our country. Journalists are able to show this to the world in a way that would not be able to be described without the reports that are written, and the pictures and videos that are taken.
Why the Journalists stay
I can only imagine that reporting on the battlefield is as exciting for a journalist as is a Superbowl for a football player, or jumping 15 buses for a motorcycle rider. It's very dangerous, and there is no promise of coming back, which entices some people to stay more than others.
These journalists are out on the field risking their lives just like soldiers are to fulfill this obligation that we have as journalists. The newly formed terrorist group ISIS has brutally killed journalists, yet so many reporters still want to jump into the action. Journalists know the possible consequences, but nothing else matter when you are following your passions and reporting on live events.
(Via Youtube.com)
Journalists stay so they can spread the word on what is going on. No matter the conditions they are working in, journalists have a duty to report the news. They have a power that can help bring attention to foreign nations about what is really going on. As long as everyone follows the rules and journalists work with the soldiers, news can be broadcast the right way, and Americans can stay involved in the war.
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