Product Description

A faascinating story of heroism and collusion, censorship and suppression, myth-making and propaganda. Now brought up to date with new material on war in Afghanistan. The author is Australian.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #645717 in Books
• Published on: 2003-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

Customer Reviews

Definitive volume on the reporting of war
I have read 3 editions of this book over the years. New conflicts around the world ensure that the volume requires constant updating. Without question it gives an excellent overview of war correspondents and reporters from the Crimean war on.
For me, the most interesting observation is how those who manage the press during times of war have learnt the lessons of Vietnam. The most recent trend toward embedding over accreditation is an example of this. It is much easier to control the Fourth Estate if they are embedded with you rather than observing your behavior from the side. The author predicted the emergence of this trend in an earlier edition of this book, and it is interesting to see that the management of future conflicts have proven him correct.
As Knightley has spent a career observing and analysing the evolution of war reporting, his views are well worth considering.

Couldn't put it down.
Well written, researched and thoroughly enjoyable book, from the antics of journalists trying to be the first to print the stories back in William Howard Russell's day, to the control of journalism by the state, specifically Maggie Thatcher during the Falklands conflict. It highlights the importance of objective neutral correspondents having access to some of the most defining moments in history. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in history, journalism and politics.