Eroding Freedoms: Secrecy, Truth and Sources
Among the casualties of the invasion and occupation of Iraq have been truth and trust, according to Sig Christenson, military affairs writer for the San Antonio Express-News. After working as both an embedded and independent reporter in Iraq, he writes about the “propaganda war within Gulf War II,” explaining that “Its roots are in Ground Zero, and I have been a willing participant. So, too, were many other reporters.”
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"When Bureaucracy Trumps Excellence"
- Valerie HymanRegardless of what organization sends a trainer overseas, what follows are suggestions that could make the experience more effective for everyone.
"When Bureaucracy Trumps Excellence"
- Valerie HymanRegardless of what organization sends a trainer overseas, what follows are suggestions that could make the experience more effective for everyone.
- Before leaving the United States, make sure your U.S. sponsor has communicated directly with the chief executive of the news organization you will be visiting.
- Specify that the organization provide you with workspace, computer, Internet access, and telephone.
- Make sure the organization designates an on-site host to provide introductions, orientation and a point of continuing contact for you.
- Go with another trainer. My colleague and I had the opportunity with each other to vent frustrations, double-check our impressions, and develop plans in response to the special challenges we faced.
- Whenever possible, have a male and female trainer work as a team. Women in Eastern Europe do not command the respect and status they enjoy in the United States. As sensitive and responsive a listener as my male colleague was, the women journalists opened up primarily with me. And though I can chew the fat with the best of ’em, the men clearly were more comfortable with him.
