While it is difficult to analyze media coverage in terms of an ends-based or rules-based perspective, it is certainly possible. Such philosophical traditions can be applied to media coverage especially during times of war. Hypothetically speaking, let’s say the United States is involved in a war overseas that so far has been in its favor. However, a significant event occurs in which many US soldiers are killed and the liklihood of the Untied States coming out of the war on top is diminished. Consequentialism, or ends-based action, would aruge that the media wouldn’t necessarily need to report about the failures of the United States. If withholding imformation from the American public was necessary to keep up the morale of the country, then taking such immoral action would be okay. Deontology, or rules-based action, would argue that lying to the American public about America’s status overseas is inherently wrong. This tradition would aruge that regardless of the consequences, whether the American public refuses to further support the war or the United States is forced to withdrawal, the media has the responsibility to report truthfully about what is happening overseas. An example in U.S history of the use of rule-based action in media coverage is the Vietnam War. When the media received pictures and film coverage of what was actually happening in Vietnam they knew it was their responsibility to reveal such coverage to the American public. Although such exposure resulted in the loss of support for the war by many people, it was the moral obligation of the media to not withhold that information from the American public. The example of the Vietnam War reveals that using the rule-based perspective is better for analyzing the responsibilities of the media.
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So considering the type of thinking used during the Vietnam War, what is your perspective on the War in Iraq currently. Obviously we are seeing some gruesome pictures and reports of what is happening, however there are still parts of information that are being withheld from the media due. Theoretically speaking the media is reporting everything they can in Iraq, but the reality is that in time of war restriction are made upon reporting due to the sensitivity of information. Application of the rule-based theory is more appropriate approach to media coverage, and currently in use by the American Media ( depending what cable network your watching)
I agree with several of your points regarding the media coverage of war. However, what is unclear is how the media covers human rights violations and immoral actions taken by governments overseas. The media focuses on highlighting the loss of American lives in war, but it’s not too often that I see consistent coverage regarding violations of morality regarding Darfur and other regions engulfed in turmoil. Recently however, the media has devoted significant airtime to the situation in Tibet as it relates to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. I see the media trying to expose the Chinese government as oppressive, which would create enough backlash to remedy the poor treatment of Tibet. The media is clearly acting from a rules-based perspective in this particular situation.
We see the point of your argument, and agree that it is important for the American public to be honestly informed about international events, as well as government actions, in order to make informed judgments. However, we would argue that the media often doeas not act using only using rule-based ethics. We must remember that the media is, in fact, a business, and thus often acts in its own self-interest, regardless of the ideology of its members. These self-interests include increasing viewership, revenue, notoriety, and prestige. Also, many forms of media are impacted by particular political opinions, and sometimes, purposefully or unconsiously, seek to influence the opinions of their viewers. This is exemplified by various pundit shows, analysis programs, etc that often replace straight, objective repoting. Based on these examples, we would argue that the ethics of the media during wartimes are influenced by considerations more complicated than simply the decision between thorough and selective reporting to the public.