Media Management In Peace Operations PDF Download

Because of the public and political nature of peace operations, it has become essential for the commander to make effective operational use of the mass media in order to achieve his objectives. To do so, the operational commander and his staff must have a thorough understanding of the media's historical and potential role in military operations, an appreciation for the operational value of media reporting and, most important of all, sufficient focused guidance to permit them to integrate media management into operational plans. Although significant progress has been made in developing a good working relationship between the media and the military, much work remains to be done. Legal precedent and joint doctrine compel the military to provide access to the media, but the existing joint doctrine hierarchy does not adequately address the means by the which the commander manages the media to best operational effect in peace operations. Available doctrine largely treats the media as an entity the military must 'survive'. Joint doctrine for media management must answer the operational commander's concerns regarding operational security, bad press, and mission interference due to the media's presence in theater. Furthermore, it must outline the operational contribution of the media to satisfaction of the six principles of Military Operations Other Than War as they apply to peace operations. Finally, joint guidance for media management must provide sufficient practical guidance to permit the commander and his staff to integrate the media challenge into operational plans. The commander in peace operations cannot afford to rely upon ingenuity and upon selective applications of lessons learned in an effort to minimize his public affairs losses and limit damage to his mission.