Is it me, or has anyone noticed...
 

... that the networks are not broadcasting as much real-time footage from Iraq as they were in the first 48 hours of action.

I'm assuming it's probably an editorial decision, as there is absolutely no control of what can happen in a war zone. It would not be too good if someone took a hit on live television.

Just a thought...

-Phil

Which networks do you mean, American? The Arab networks are showing everything.

As you most likely know, the media is a propaganda tool. Try this link:

http://www.aljazeera.org.uk

I've got other links handy too, but I don't think that Chris would like me to post them here---this is afterall a DV site.

Ah! My bad... I forget sometimes this forum is an international community.

I'm referring mainly to US networks like CNN, MSNBC, Fox, etc.

-Phil

...been watching CNN and BBC news. The major networks are working a different audience, methinks.

"The National," on CBC seems to give the best coverage (from North America).

http://www.aljazeera.net is in Arabic. That probably gives a good view from the other side.

You can get some news here as well:

http://media.guardian.co.uk

I read that http://www.aljazeera.net started an English site, but it was hacked from somewhere within the US.

I try not be a news junkie, but the most balanced reporting, it seems to me, comes from NPR News and the BBC World Service. A lighter diet might consist of Peter Jennings and his correspondents on ABC News. FOX and CNN are just in too big of a ratings battle with each other--who wants to watch a meta-war?

If you get satellite TV via Dish Network, be sure to check out the World Link and Free Speech TV channels for some outstanding reporting.

I was watching Reuters RawVideo all today. I like watching tanks tool around in the mud.

But then there was also a shocking video of this little girl who had been taken in after bombardmen. She was lying on a hospital cot with her intestines beside her.

I've been mainly watching the UK, inc. BBC World, and the odd international satellite service. I've know idea what the situation is like in the US.

I personally find the differences between the two main terrestrial broadcasters here in the UK shocking. The BBC is far more balanced than the ITN produced news on ITV, which comes across as an arm of of the military. Sorry, but I want my news to be as impartial as possible. (I know, a utopian dream) Channel 4 is very good, better in many places than the BBC, and the once laughable Channel 5 is actually OK now.

Anyway, back to the question...

There are couple of things I think one should bear in mind now.

One, the reporters are not in the front line, I'm not sure if they ever were. Yes there's much talk of imbedded journalists, but they are not right in the action, otherwise were is the footage of the actual battles. I've yet to see any. And especially know as the fronts are drawn out with long columns stretching for miles they are probably getting further from the front. This might all change once they reach Baghdad since there are many journalist already there.

Two, the news networks were badly bitten by incorrect reporting. How many initial reports were there of uprisings and mass Iraqi tank divisions on the move, only to latter learn there were no uprising nor any mass tank movements.

Therefore I feel this is why we are seeing less and less real-time reporting. There just isn't that much to say. And don't get me started on those crappy video phones. Surely the technology is there for better video transmissions by now?

bandwidth, my friend....the satellites charge by the bandwidth used. more satellites, I guess.

I wonder how much the video phones they use cost?

As a matter of fact, I posted a whole lot of information on videophones in this thread:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...&threadid=8085

The technology today is simply amazing. Also, like Bill said, the cost per minute for bandwidth is equallly amazing.

-Phil

Great info, Phil... many thanks,

My pleasure!

I went out in the yard this afternoon, and de-mothballed the old 6-foot C-Band dish. There is still a lot of international video and audio programming on C-Band that is in the clear (not scrambled).

Not that I'm a news junkie or anything, but world events have always held my interest. Additionally, I plan on starting school this fall (at 34!) and have narrowed down my major to either journalism or communications.

My reasoning is that seeing a global view on news and information might help me out in the future for either profession.

-Phil