2007 The War on Iraq: Complete with Live First-hand Coverage
Technology allowed for "Backpack" Journalists. Ultimately, journalists had to revert back to traveling with army units, but it is important to note that they were able to attempt independent coverage of the war. The result was a more accurate and clear look at what it really means to be at war. However, there are people that believe the media still failed to get the story right.
"These journalists rely on lightweight laptops, satellite phones, inexpensive editing software and digital cameras — equipment that is a fraction of the cost and size of conventional, shoulder-mounted gear. They file video from some of the most remote spots on Earth, supplying material primarily to the Web, but occasionally to television."
"I covered the war as an unembedded or "unilateral" reporter, entering Iraq two days after the invasion with colleagues in rented SUVs. That experience taught me two things: First, it is too dangerous, in most cases, to cover modern warfare without protection from an army. Second, although my visits were brief, I was able to see things that the embedded journalists could not."
"The lies told about Iraq were given credence by supposedly serious news organizations that openly promoted attacking Iraq and offered little in the way of investigative reporting."
-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-cohen/iraq-war-media_b_2921273.html
Further Reading:
- Iraq Journalism-http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/30/AR2010043001100.html
- Unwilling Witness-http://www.npr.org/2013/03/21/174943849/unwilling-witness-former-journalist-recalls-iraq-war
- War Media-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-cohen/iraq-war-media_b_2921273.html