A Paradigm Of War Reporting

In a democratic society, the news media is charged with delivering truthful, fair and unbiased news to the public it serves. This is particularly crucial during times of war, when truthful reporting is vital. An analysis of newspaper articles and editorials published in the Sacramento Bee from August 1964 through February of 1968, demonstrates that the Sacramento daily, with a few exceptions, failed to meet that responsibility in covering the Vietnam War during the relevant time frames. The Sacramento Bee from August 1964 through February of 1968, and an array of secondary sources providing an analysis of the Vietnam War and journalism. The Sacramento Bee bought the official story regarding the Vietnam War, passed it on to the public, and framed its news coverage of Vietnam within the parameters of the dominant political consensus in existence at that time. Specifically, that failure to wage war would result in the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia.