A case study of the differences in press coverage of the invasions of the Dominican Republic and Grenada

Bibliography: pages [73]-76.President Ronald Reagan's barring of the press from covering the invasion of Grenada In October 1983 was a unique action. This case study compares Reagan's action with the action of another president under similar circumstances, provides an analysis of the comparison, notes steps taken to insure that a complete barring of the press would not reoccur, and gives one participant's version of one of those steps considered. Chapter I provides a brief overview of the military-press relationship during military maneuvers In the history of the United States, noting those isolated Incidents where Individuals have delayed or barred press reports from sites of military activity. Research showed that no president or administration completely barred the press from covering military activities before Reagan's action in Grenada. To show how unique Reagan's action was, a comparison was established between President Reagan and President Johnson who ordered an invasion of the Dominican Republic in 1965. Chapter III provides a comparison between the islands of the Dominican Republic and Grenada covering their physical descriptions, their political backgrounds, their strategic locations, and the invasions of the islands. Chapter IV provides an analysis of the press coverage of the two invasions. Since the press was not allowed to cover the invasion of Grenada, the analysis section on Grenada concentrates on the lack of coverage as significant. Chapter V explores the relationship between President Johnson and the press in 1965, touching on his relationship with the press over Vietnam, a factor which might have colored what happened in 1983. President Reagan's relationship with the press at the time of the invasion of Grenada is also discussed, since his handling of the press before the invasion seems to have foreshadowed how the press would be handled during the invasion of Grenada. Chapter VI provides conclusions and evaluations and reviews two suggestions for the press and military working together to cover military activities. Newsweek's Kim WiHenson participated in a practice exercise of the press covering combat situations in Honduras during military exercises. The problems encountered are mentioned and his comments are included.M.A. (Master of Arts