The CNN Effect: the influence of round-the-clock news coverage, particularly in the realm of global conflict and wartime strategy.

1. accelerant - decreasing the time leaders have to deliberate and react.
2. impediment - revealing national security information.
3. agenda setting - influencing the where and when of military intervention/action.

Cable News Network

• Reaches over 150 million television households in more than 212 countries.
• It is available to more than 800 million people all over world.

The Influence of 24/7 News

• Real time reporting - The ability to "go live" has become a "selling point" in a highly competitive world of broadcast journalism.
• Talk/speculation - rolling-news channels tend to fill their schedule with "talk" and "speculation" (opinion, analysis, debate, talk shows, etc.); talk/speculation takes on an entertainment function.

From event to media event: The event (the Gulf War) disappears in the endless speculation and interpretation by experts, analysts, and commentators (the media event).

Event + Analysis = Media Event

CNN Effect has resulted in

1. embedded journalists
2. restricted information
3. increase in official military spokespeople

National security vs. Freedom of the Press

• provide information, upholding democratic principles
• restriction information, protecting troops

Non-dominant opposition groups use 24/7 news to:

• communicate with members
• boost morale of members
• intimidate their enemies