Media’s Role in Gulf War

There is ongoing TV reporting, especially on CNN from Iraq, explaining that the Iraqis allow reporters to film only civilian destruction while military targets that were destroyed are not shown. Obviously, this is a manipulation of the media.

Since reporters and TV executives are professionals, they know well the impact of TV pictures on viewers. They should know that a routine statement that they are under censorship and cannot show military damages does not measure up to balanced reporting.

Under these circumstances, they should understand that they are being used by the Iraqis to further their psychological warfare. The fact that these reporters are seemingly ready to do anything to find a story, even if it harms the interests of their own country, does not reflect well on the media.

DAVID SHICHOR, Fullerton