Selma March Analysis

640 Words3 Pages
Mike Jones Section A09 November 13 Essay Compare the journalistic agency described by David Halberstam to that shown by the network journalists and cameramen at the Selma march. In each case, how did the journalists work with and around government officials to get the story? I. Introduction Agency refers to “the capacity or capability of exerting power, and acting upon it”. Journalists have agency, and therefore make choices as how they will report their events. They choose how to use the power that they are given. In both the Selma March and the reporting of the Vietnam War, agency plays a role in showing how these reporters obtained their news, and how they presented it. II. Distinction between the two cases A. The Selma March 1. During the march and the assault on the protesters, TV cameras and newsmen were up-close and present to film the actual events as they occurred. 2. Despite the brutal and ruthless tactics used by the state troopers and possemen, newscasters continued to film every detail. 3. Most of the attackers were not aware of the power of TV cameras that were placed right behind them, at the heart of the assault. 4. The attack was aired on all of the major news stations, and the entire nation was able to witness the effects of the racism and inequality of the south. B. The Vietnam War 1. During the early years of the war, journalists followed government rules on what information should not be reported. 2. Through 1967, television coverage was overwhelmingly favorable to U.S. policy. 3. In 1967, NBC’s Greg Harris calmly covers the gruesome burning of a village named Cong Phu. 4. In 1965, CBS aired footage of American soldiers using cigarette lighters to burn down huts in a Vietnamese village. Despite the explosive nature of the scene, the heads of the network showed it on television. The network received complaints from many
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