Media Coverage of the Gulf War

Many Americans have a strong sense that they are not getting the real news. Walter Cronkite has publicly complained about media manipulation. Jeff Cohen, Executive Director of FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting), delivers a stinging critique of mainstream media coverage of the Gulf War. He demonstrates, with many examples, how National Public Radio, Nightline, MacNeil/Lehrer, The New York Times and others parrot the Administration’s position. They present only a narrow spectrum of opinion, and when critical voices are presented, they are given short shrift and thus marginalized. The Gulf War, Cohen contends, is a carefully managed effort in controlling and managing the news. Cohen shows how crucial poll questions are framed to produce desired responses.

Interview by David Barsamian.