Title: Military/Media Dichotomy and Its Impact on Military Operations in West Africa
Abstract: Abstract : The military and the media are two important organizations critical to sustaining a democratic state. This study throws light on the media's perception of themselves as a neutral and powerful voice of the masses that often sees the military and its operations as an impediment to securing uncensored information. The study also highlights the military's chariness of the media, which originates from frequently misrepresented information given without regard to security requirements, protection of life, and the future effectiveness of the military. Years of the military's political repression has led to a strain in the relationship between the military and the media. The study offers sounds arguments to the military and the media as to why the strained relationship must change. As the Ghana Armed Forces grapples with its role in the country's young democracy, the opportunity for reengaging the media and presenting the military as a unique establishment has never been better. One certainty is that the media will continuously have a great influence on the military and public opinion. The requirement for the military to collaborate and cooperate with the media in the midst of what will inexorably be complex and confusing situations is what will reduce the dichotomy. The primary research question is as follows: How can the military enhance its operations by developing a viable military-media relationship? The secondary research questions are as follows: (1) What are the missions and roles of armed forces?; (2) What principles of war affect media relationships?; (3) What is the role of the military in a democracy?; (4) What is the role of the media in a democracy?; (5) What is the current media landscape and how does it interact with the current military?; (6) What are the contemporary challenges in military-media relationship in West Africa?; and (7) What are the lessons that could enhance a cordial and rewarding co-existence between the military and the media?
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-06-08
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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