Media Workers | Media on War

The Need to Prepare Our Troops to Come Home

December 16, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

When the national news stations send reporters into the battle zone, there is a lot of preparation and work that goes on behind the scenes. There are psychological screenings, background information given, lists of safe zones and other helpful information. That wave of preparation is followed by more assistance when a reporter returns from the war zone. At that point, the media member goes through debriefings, has psychological screenings and goes through counseling. With all that being done for media workers you would assume that our troopers get even more assistance when they return – but that’s not the case.

A solider who is off in war is often times set back into the heart of daily living with little or no preparation given. They were given a mission, the mission is complete and they are no longer needed. They are not run through tests, forced to go through counseling or even informed about the programs that are available to them in some cases. Instead they are handed brochures, like ones you might see for apartments for rent in Seattle, on ways to get a job after being a solider and sent on their way.

Our soldiers deserve a more intensive preparation period before they are sent on their way. They deserve to have someone sit down with them and walk them through what options they have, what programs are available and just basically guide them back to normal living. It can’t be easy to have to spend every day fighting for your life and your country’s freedom and then be dropped unexpectedly back into the real world.

After all, we spend thousands of dollars to make sure our media workers don’t suffer while they are in the war zone. Why not do the same for our troops who are making sure our rights are protected?

Filed Under: Media Workers, War Tagged With: Mass media, Seattle, Soldier

Ethical Reporting

December 16, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

The media in any country carries a large responsibility. In many ways, they control or at least filter the information that the public hears and believes. Through what stories an outlet chooses to report, and the manner in which they report them, the media can easily tweak the information one way or another. They have a strong sway on how people see the world and they need to use that power responsibly and ethically. This is especially true when reporting on foreign relations and wartime activities. With the action happening overseas, the bulk of the public will never see firsthand what is really true. In many ways, this is a good thing. It means that the public is not in the war zone. But, it does make it even more important that the media report it properly, and completely.

There are basic ethics designed to help keep the news honest and helpful. These are not always easy to utilize, however, as ethics are not a black and white situation. The media, like any person, has to do their best to try to follow a code as well as possible.

Perhaps the most overarching element of media ethics is the search for truth. A media outlet must do their best to report only solid facts. In turn, they will be doing the public a service and maintaining their own integrity. It is the media’s responsibility to make sure that in telling the truth they keep themselves separate from those they cover, and not allow themselves to be directed or pushed by any outside party. By remaining true to a few small principles, the media can provide worthwhile news to the public they serve. They can create a culture of thoughtfulness and debate based on real facts instead of sensationalism. In a war setting, this can greatly aid the public in making informed decisions about serious matters.

Filed Under: Educational Reference, Media Workers Tagged With: Ethics, Journalism, Media, Media ethics

Looking Back Part 3, The Invasion

December 14, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The invasion of Iraq really began in 2002 when an invasion team of CIA agents infiltrated the country to prepare for traditional troops. The purpose of these operatives was to persuade various military groups within Iraq to surrender and not resist the American troops. One important skirmish was against Ansar al-Islam, which led to finding chemical weapons in Sargat.

The real invasion began on March 20, 2003. Other countries besides the U.S. helped with the invasion and included 248,000 soldiers from the U.S., 45,000 soldiers from Britain, 2,000 soldiers from Australia, and 194 special forces soldiers from Poland, as well as about 70,000 soldiers from Iraqi Kurdish militia troops.

The objectives of the war were as follows:

â€¢ End Hussein’s regime
â€¢ Destroy an weapons of mass destruction found
â€¢ Eliminate Islamist militants
â€¢ Gather intelligence about any militant networks
â€¢ Distribute aid
â€¢ Secure the infrastructure for Iraq’s petroleum
â€¢ Create a democratic government that uses representatives

One of the first early successes of the war was on April 9 when the city of Baghdad (Iraq’s capital) fell and a statue of Hussein was torn down. Finally, after 24 years of ruling, Hussein’s empire was ended. Many citizens were grateful the end of this tyranny, but without a firm leader to take over and lead the country, there were riots and looting and increased crime.

After this initial victory, President Bush declared in a speech in San Diego that the war was essentially won. Hussein was still at large and there were pockets of resistance, but overall, he believed the war to be won.

Then religious radicals and other Iraqi citizens joined in the resistance. They were angered because of the invasion and having U.S. troops on their land. Most of the resistance came in the form of guerrilla tactics â€” suicide bombings, snipers, IEDs, car bombs, missiles, RPGs, and more.

During this time, a post-invasion Iraq coalition was formed in an effort to establish a new form of government that used democratic ideals. The United Nations helped in establishing this government as well.

More to come . . .

Filed Under: Educational Reference, Media Workers, News, War Tagged With: Ansar al-Islam, George W. Bush, Iraq, Middle East, Saddam Hussein, United Nations, United States armed forces, Warfare and Conflict

Looking Back Part 5, Insurgency Attacks Continue to Rise

December 9, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

On January 31, 2005, an election took place to elect members of the Iraqi Transitional Government. The purpose of the government was to draft a constitution for the country. This event was marred by a widespread Sunni boycott, but most of the Kurd and Shia members of the population participated.

From February to April, violence died down causing hope that soon the U.S. troops would be pulled out of Iraq. That hope was ended in May 2005. Violence surged and included suicide bombers spread throughout the entire countries targeting Shia gatherings and places where there were concentrations of Shia citizens. In one month alone, over 700 citizens of Iraq died along with 79 U.S. soldiers.

In October 2005, a referendum was held to ratify the new Iraqi constitution. In December, there was another election to elect an Iraqi national assembly. This election was participated by the Sunnis in addition to the Kurds and Shia.

In total, the number of insurgent attacks reached 34,131 in 2005, up by 7,635 attacks from the previous year.

The year of 2006 felt very much like a civil war in Iraq with citizens of Iraq targeting other citizens with their violence. On February 23 alone, over 100 dead bodies were found with bullet holes in them and the death rate in Baghdad averaged around 33 a day.

On May 20, 2006, the Iraqi government officials who won the elections in December took office. Other major events in 2006 included the release of the Iraq Study Group Report and the hanging of Saddam Hussein. The Report was led by former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker and former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton and concluded that the situation in Iraq was quickly deteriorating and that there seemed to be no foreseeable end to the conflict. The recommended having diplomatic measures increased and working harder to train Iraqi troops as quickly as possible.

With Saddam Hussein’s trial ending (after a year of being tried for crimes against humanity by an Iraqi court), the former regime was effectively dead. But the end of 2006 did not bring hope for an end.

Filed Under: Educational Reference, Media Workers, News, War

Looking Back Part 4, War Continues

December 8, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

The summer of 2003 was spent trying to uncover leads of Hussein’s regime. On July 22, Hussein’s sons were found and killed by the U.S. 101st Airborne Division as well as soldiers from Task Force 20. In total, over 300 of the top leaders from Hussein’s regime were captured or killed.

Then on December 13, 2003, finally the leader of the regime, Saddam Hussein himself was found and captured. His hideout was on a farm near Tikrit. His hiding place was leaked by members of Hussein’s family members and his former bodyguards.

The beginning of 2004 led to insurgency groups picking a new target: the Iraqi Security Forces, a group of Iraqis who were created to police the country. Hundreds of these police officers, as well as Iraqi civilians, were killed using a series of bombings.

On March 31, 2004, insurgents ambushed some private military contractors in Fallujah who were protecting caterers. These U.S. contractors were killed and their bodies set on fire and hung over a bridge that crosses over the Euphrates River. As a response, the U.S. started a battle called the First Battle of Fallujah in April 2004 to try and pacify the city. The effort was unsuccessful.

In November 2004, a second battle began lasting 46 days. This battle was won by the multinational group of soldiers, but resulted in the loss of 95 U.S. soldiers as well as 1,350 insurgents. Luckily civilian casualties were low because most of them had abandoned the city before the second battle began.

With Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech given in May 2003, many would have thought that the war would have been over by the end of 2004, especially since the provisional government set up to run Iraq was signed over to Iraqi’s Interim Government on June 28, 2004. But with the insurgents continuing to fight and with the government so unstable, Bush’s administration most likely felt that pulling out now would likely cause more problems than it would help. So the fighting continued as the rebuilding effort of the cities and government began.

Stay tuned . . .

Filed Under: Educational Reference, Media Workers, News, War Tagged With: Euphrates, Fallujah, First Battle of Fallujah, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, Middle East, Politics, Saddam Hussein

The Safety of Media Workers

December 8, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

As long as there are wars going on in the world there will be a demand for media workers such as camera crews, journalists and photographers to be sent close to the battlefields. In fact, media workers that head into the heart of the battlefield are some of the bravest, courageous media workers of all times.

Even though these media workers are heading into a dangerous situation there are certain precautions that can be taken to ensure that these workers are safe and cared for as they are headed into the war zone.

The first way to ensure that media workers are safe when they are heading into the war zone is to make sure that they are aware of all the safe zones. Most areas of war have neutral zones, or areas that are zoned off for media workers and other people to be safe within. It is important that these workers know where these zones are and how to get to them, should something happen.

The other way is through more traditional ways to care for workers. Media workers need to be protected overseas, just as if they are on their homeland. That means that if they are planning on driving they need to have company supplied car insurance through a company like 21st century insurance, and if they are heading into dusty areas they need protective masks. Also, if they are heading into a landmine area they need a guide so that they don’t step on the landmines.

Safety is important and media workers, even though they are heading into a dangerous situation, need to be protected as best as they can. By knowing the safe zones and having protective measures taken, such as insurance and protective gear, these workers will have some level of security as they enter the war zone.

Filed Under: Educational Reference, Media Workers, News Tagged With: Anhui, Global Times, Laborer, Land mine, Occupational safety and health, Personal protective equipment, Sichuan, Xinjiang

Media Workers 411: How Do You Become a Camera Man?

December 7, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

It might seem to the occasional news viewer that the only person that is responsible for bring you the news is the news reporter but that isn’t the case. Without a camera man there would be no images, sounds or general idea of what is going on in the world. You wouldn’t be able to sit at home and get a picture for what is really going on in the world.

With the sole responsibility to bring the public the images and sounds of the various news stories being a camera man might sound appealing to many people. But how do you break out in the field of camera work?

Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that you gain the experience and knowledge to be a camera man on any local or national news show.

Gain Experience as a Hobby. Many cameramen do various camera work around their house, neighborhood or school. They are the ones with the camera in their hand and annoying people til no end. While it might be annoying this allows people to gain experience with working with this type of equipment and allows you to grow as a cameraman.

Work on Local Shows. Working on local shows allows you to gain valuable professional experience. Some shows take interns or volunteers to work the cameras for the show. This allows you to become familiar with professional equipment while at the same time getting your foot into the door.

Go to Technical College. Many technical colleges have departments of photography or camera work. Consider getting a degree from one of these schools. They allow you to gain valuable knowledge while networking in the field of camera work. A degree won’t guarantee that you are going to get a job but it will look very good on a resume and show that you know what you are doing when it comes to working with a camera.

Filed Under: Media Workers Tagged With: Arts, Arts and Entertainment, Business, Camera, Camera operator, Equipment and Services, Photography, Tools and Equipment

Preparing for Changes in Life: Moving House

December 6, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

One of the certainties in life is that things change. This may be due to just the natural process of growing older or other factors outside your control. What can be controlled to some extent is how some of these changes are handled so that they are easier to deal with. Even anticipated changes come with their own challenges.

One major life change is moving house. This can be quite traumatic, especially if there are sentimental memories attached to the home. One reason for moving from one house to another is that the family is growing due to the arrival of children. The issue of mortgage payments may also impact moving decisions.

When it comes to finding the right new home, a company such as Portland Property Management can help make the search and transition easier. A company that specializes in property management tends to be better able to identify suitable homes. These companies are also able to ensure that the property is in good condition before you move in. If the move was related to advancing age or physical limitations, these companies can offer assistance with general maintenance of the property.

One thing is certain, it can be much more difficult moving house busy periods such as Christmas. As such, these times should be avoidded if possible. For the more adventurous, moving is often seen as a fun activity. Many people look forward to the feeling of starting over, having a new beginning.

Moving to a new location can be seen as heralding a change in the season of one’s life. For some people this change of scenery is revitalizing and provides an impetus to try new things. Such a big move should be handled as carefully as possible for the sake of young children.

Filed Under: Media Workers, War Tagged With: Business, Christmas, HotPads, Management, Property management, PRWEB, Real estate, United States

Raid by Iraqi and U.S. Forces Leave Seven Dead

December 5, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

On Wednesday, September 16, U.S. forces led a task force of Iraqis into Falluja at around 1 a.m. to issue an arrest warrant for an insurgent leader of Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, which are thought to be responsible for attacks on Anbar Province in western Iraq. As they arrived at the location, the troops were fired upon and so they shot back. Four were killed who were suspected insurgents and three were wounded. Two residents of the village also were killed when they came out of their homes with weapons.

It is uncertain if the mission was successful because the spokesman for the military, a Major Rob Phillips, did not have this information. It is believed that the Al Qaeda leader may have been captured or killed. One of the other dead was a colonel in the Iraqi Army under Saddam Hussein and it’s believed he might have been the original target all along, though this is uncertain. It was discovered later that the four killed on location were brothers between the ages of 10 and 18.

According to witnesses of the raid, it was not just the Iraqi police officers who used their weapons; in fact, it was mostly the American soldiers who fought. About 4,500 Special Operations troops were left in Iraq to help with counter-terrorism operations such as these. Iraqi police officers on the scene claimed they were not included in the raid and only arrived after it had begun.

All of this makes you wonder whether the combat in Iraq is really over. The spokesman for the U.S. troops claim they were only in an advisory role, but this does not seem to be the case. If we are to train the native forces in Iraq to take over so they no longer need our help and our troops can be pulled out completely, then we need to let the Iraq police force do their jobs and really only participate to advise as we claim to be doing.

We’ll have to see if our claim to no more combat is reality or just a fantasy.

Filed Under: Educational Reference, Media Workers, News, War Tagged With: Al Anbar Governorate, Al Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Fallujah, Iraq, Iraqi Army, Saddam Hussein, United States armed forces

What Can You Write About Sports Figures?

November 23, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

: Image via Wikipedia

There has been a lot of news these days about sports figures and what they are doing both on and off the court. While the athletes in question haven’t enjoyed having their private lives addressed publicly there can be the case made that it is much of their own doing. If you are in the sports media field writing for a paper or even writing your own blog you might be interested in reporting on these athletes. The question is what do you do when there is a story about the athlete that isn’t on the field. This is a tough question for even the best of the reporters. You don’t want to make the mistake of printing something that didn’t need to be said.

There is an old rule in the newspaper business that seems to apply today. The rule is that you do not write about the wife unless you are willing to write about the girlfriend. This is true across the board. Don’t make the mistake of talking about the good an athlete does unless you are willing to write about the bad. So to write about how a person is so devoted to their wife and how they are such a good family man is fine if that’s all you know about the man but doing so means you have made his good family man status a story. So, when there are developments that affect that story then you should have an obligation to report on that.

The point being is that if you are asked to cover the team as a sports journalist then you should do that and only that. If you want to go beyond the field then you need to report on everything, not just the stuff that makes the athletes look better then they are.

Filed Under: Media Workers Tagged With: Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, highschool, Nutrition, People, Sport, Sports journalism, Sportsperson, Training