The Media at War: Communication and Conflict in the Twentieth Century [Paperback]

Susan L. Carruthers (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0312228015 | ISBN-13: 978-0312228019 | Publication Date: January 2, 2000

This uniquely comprehensive assessment of the role of the media before, during and after wars draws on examples from the 20th century's "total wars" as well as "limited wars," terrorist campaigns, and complex emergencies such as Rwanda and Somalia. It argues that the media's performance in wartime may result as much from peacetime journalistic practices as from the special circumstances of war. The book concludes by assessing the impact of new communications technology and how the representation of future wars is likely to differ from those in the past.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In addition to her appraisal of the news media's performance, the author offfers intriguing insights about the entertainment media's depiction of war. The World Today

About the Author

Susan L. Carruthers is Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 333 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (January 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312228015
• ISBN-13: 978-0312228019
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,376,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed, Thorough and Relevant, April 30, 2001

By 

Col. Barry Johnson "Bear" (Potlatch, Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Media at War: Communication and Conflict in the Twentieth Century (Paperback)

Ms. Carruthers has put together an invaluable resource for anybody interested in the interaction of media, governments and militaries during times of war and conflict. In looking back at what I've just read, I find that I've underlined and highlighted passages throughout the book for future reference. Those who study the topic in detail (or just want to learn more after reading this book) will find the bibliography extremely useful. I've added a dozen more titles to my list of "must-read" books thanks to her exhaustive research. The book is also very well organized and written, covering the topic using the full spectrum of war -- from total war to terrorism -- which is much more useful than a simple chronoligical view often found in histories of this type. Overall, Ms. Carruthers has written an important book that adds significantly to the scholarly work in this field. As one who works with both the international media and militaries from several nations, this book has earned a spot on the top of the reference pile sitting on my desk and will undoubtedly be worn out in short order.

5.0 out of 5 stars Most insightful!, February 27, 2011

By 

Leif Skoogfors (Lansdale, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Media at War: Communication and Conflict in the Twentieth Century (Paperback)

As someone who has worked in the media covering conflict, Ms. Carruthers has written a book which opened a new dimension for me on "Media at War". She avoids glorifying war and exposes how even the most well meaning objective journalist is co-opted by governments in covering conflicts. It seems inevitable that journalists covering conflict become, knowingly or not, proponents of war.

This book is an essential read for any journalist covering war or other conflict.