In the controversy over the reporting of the Falklands conflict, criticism focused on the media's use of armchair strategists to interpret and speculate about operations in the South Atlantic. Valerie Adams sets that media commentary in an historical perspective and examines its actual content to see whether the criticism was justified and whether the material actually helped to inform the public about the actions undertaken on their behalf. The issues raised in wartime by the relationship between the media, the government and the public in a democracy are explored: the Falklands' problems appear insignificant set against potential future difficulties.
Author's Note Forward by Professor Lawrence Freedman PART I: THE CONTEXT A Freak History Reporting the Wars Correspondents and Commentators PART II: THE COMMENTARY The Fleet Sets Sail: 2-25 April 1982 The Early Successes and Losses: 25 April - 7 May Building up to the Invasion: 8-21 May Consolidation and Advance: 22-29 May Reinforcement and Reoccupation: 29 May - 14 June PART III: ASSESSMENT AND CONCLUSIONS How Did the Media Perform? The Commentators - Disclosure and Discretion Into the Future: the Falklands Factor Annex A: Sources Annex B: List of Main Commentators on Military Aspects of the Falklands Campaign Annex C: The Falklands Campaign (Operation Corporate): A Chronology Select Bibliography Index
