International Conflict and the Media

ACTIVITY 5: Freedom of the Press and National Security -- TheEarly Years

Introduction

The general principle of freedom of the press was emphasized in Activity 2. The third activityexamined how news is gathered and reported. The fourth activity examined some of the ways thatthe news is manipulated. This activity reviews an instance where freedom of the press collideswith national security. Most observers believe that there should be limitations to freedom of thepress during periods of conflict, although what exactly these restrictions should be, remainunclear.

Student Objectives

• To understand that the right of freedom of the press is not absolute when it comes to issuesinvolving national security.
• To know that during periods of national conflict the government and the military may need tokeep certain information secret to protect American lives.
• To know that government and military officials can abuse the claim of national security byincluding items which might embarrass them or cast doubt upon their actions.

Time

1 class period

Materials

Copies of Reading 5 for each student

Recommended Procedures

1. Distribute Reading 5 and ask the students to read it either in class or for homework. After theyhave read the handout, ask them to consider:

Why should freedom of the press be curtailed during times of national conflict?

Who decides when national security is at stake?

Who decides when there is a conflict that requires restrictions of freedom of the press?

Can there be abuses of these restrictions?

Why weren't there any governmental restrictions during the Revolutionary War, the Warof 1812 or the Mexican-American War?

Why would improved technology, such as the invention of telegraph, encouragegovernmental and military leaders to promote restrictions on the press?

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Go to Activity 6.

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