The best and worst of people shines during times of crisis. The war in Iraq may not be everyone’s idea of a crisis, but the character of those involved was tested and the world was shown the results. Brave soldiers, Iraqi citizens and numerous others came through the fire proving to be people of valor, courage and justice. But unfortunately many in the media were shown as people pursuing an agenda not journalists living up to the sacred trust placed upon them by the public.
Most journalists claim to adhere to an ethical code to guide their reporting practices. Many news organizations now require employees to sign a code of ethics promising, among other things, accurate, fair and independent reporting.
Journalists are people. They will carry their own opinions. In a capitalistic society, competition for money, power and influence infiltrates every industry from retail to education and reaches even the media.
In a open democratic society, newspapers, radio and TV can be powerful tools. But this power carries great responsibility. This responsibility is to the masses, who must be assured they are receiving unbiased truth. Mainstream news organizations should take every effort to be fair to all points of view.
CNN’s ethical test began nearly 12 years ago. CNN chief news executive Eason Jordan made 13 trips to Iraq in those years and admitted in a New York Times Op-ed piece to becoming more distressed by what he witnessed each visit. Yet CNN hid stories of Saddam Hussein’s regime abusing human rights from the world and did not report a single atrocity.
Jordan cited fear of retribution from the regime upon CNN employees in Baghdad and sources. Even though CNN allowed the regime’s horrendous actions to occur without being mentioned, a CNN cameraman was tortured by the insane regime which believed Jordan was the CIA’s Iraq station chief. Jordan’s worries about the human loss were justified, but many better solutions existed than inaction.
This called many other news organizations to leave Iraq. CNN was the lone American news organization with an Iraqi bureau. The desire for an exclusive interview with Hussein and to exclusively report to America from Iraq fed Jordan’s desire to keep the bureau open.
Letters published in the April 13 New York Times state the repercussions of CNN’s action well. One wrote, “CNN has betrayed its viewers, the people of Iraq and its own fundamental reason for existing.” Another said, “CNN did not report the crimes. CNN did not leave Baghdad. What price is acceptable for media profit?”
CNN’s credibility now is in question. Last October, Jordan guaranteed New York Public Radio listeners that CNN was reporting fairly and accurately from Baghdad and if CNN determined it could not, it would leave. Jordan continued his blatant lying. He told the New Republic CNN provided “a full picture of the regime” and even arrogantly challenged the journalist to find instances of CNN neglecting stories of the regime’s atrocities. All the while Jordan was well aware of many horrendous deeds occurring in Hussein’s Iraq. How can viewers be assured CNN is reports in other countries are true and not catering to rulers for exclusive coverage?
Being entrenched with the troops no doubt increased the pressure on journalists to break stories first. We saw this often and most did so ethically. But others such as Geraldo Rivera crossed the ethical line and put lives in danger. Rivera was expelled from Iraq for sometime then was allowed back after he gave an emotional broadcast apology for revealing troop positions.
Other journalists cast their ethics aside to advance political agendas. At one point in the war, coalition forces faced stiff resistance and fell victim to a few highly publicized ambushes. Those holding disdain for the administration took advantage of that.
Former NBC correspondent Peter Arnett proclaimed the U.S. war plan a failure due to a misjudgment by the administration. Four days later, the Marines were in Baghdad and Arnett was no longer employed by NBC.
It is time the mainstream media embraced its responsibility and hire ethical journalists who’s priority is to inform the public on the truth not make money or push a personal agenda.