Does the Media Impact Homeland Security?
As an arm of public opinion, media inevitably impacts, in some way, for better or worse, both the policies and effectiveness of homeland security. The exact extent of this influence can be nothing but conjecture.
Other People Are Reading
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Policies
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Part of the function of the media is to serve as a watchdog to the government. When discrepancies, lies and issues are discovered, journalists inform the public. For example, the media spread news of the discovery of illegal activities at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility across the world, forcing the United States to readdress its policies. However, the media could also be given credit for inspiring the activities at Guantanamo Bay in the first place, due to its extensive coverage of the 9/11 attack and its emotional aftermath.
Effectiveness
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Some argue that the existence of a comprehensive media exposes the country to external risks. News conglomerations can be viewed around the world, providing information about America to watchers. However, there has been no hard evidence to suggest that media broadcasts have assisted terrorist attacks or activities in any capacity.
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Considerations
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In the near decade since September 11, 2001, social networking and advancing technology have made media far more thorough and accessible than ever before. Yet, the country has not suffered a single, major, homeland security breach.
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