Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.