Images of the Enemy: Reporting the New Cold War

Images of the Enemy (1985) examines British television news coverage of the superpower disarmament talks and east-west crises, such as the Korean airline incident, and explores the structures, organizations, and political constraints that encouraged negative views of the USSR to flourish. It uses Soviet and British reports of Chernobyl as a test case to assess the impact of Gorbachev and glasnost on conditions in coverage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Images of the Enemy (1985) delves into the comprehensive analysis of British television news coverage of pivotal events, including the disarmament talks between superpowers and crises such as the Korean airline incident. By conducting extensive interviews with journalists in both London and Moscow, the film explores the underlying structures, organizations, and political factors that fostered a pervasive negative perception of the Soviet Union. Through the lens of the Chernobyl incident, it examines whether the impact of Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika led to improvements in the coverage of these critical events.

The film begins by shedding light on the historical context of British television news coverage, emphasizing the influence of Cold War ideologies and the political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. It highlights the media's role in shaping public opinion and influencing political decisions.

The interviews with journalists provide valuable insights into the reporting process and the challenges faced by journalists in covering the Soviet Union. They discuss the restrictions imposed by the Soviet government on access to information and the pressure to conform to official narratives. The journalists also share their personal experiences and observations of the Soviet Union, which contribute to a nuanced understanding of the country and its people.

One of the key themes of the film is the portrayal of the Soviet Union as a threat to world peace. The journalists argue that the media's emphasis on the Soviet Union's military capabilities and nuclear arsenal contributed to a sense of fear and insecurity among the public. They point out the lack of balanced coverage of the Soviet Union's achievements in science, technology, and culture, which undermined the public's understanding of the country.

The film also examines the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion. It highlights the use of stereotypes, misinformation, and selective reporting to present a distorted image of the Soviet Union. The journalists discuss the challenges of countering this propaganda and providing accurate and objective coverage.

The Chernobyl incident serves as a test case for the film's analysis. The journalists use Soviet and British reports of the incident to assess the impact of glasnost and perestroika on the coverage of the crisis. They argue that the openness and transparency provided by Gorbachev's policies led to a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of the incident.

However, the film also raises concerns about the limitations of glasnost and perestroika. It points out that the policies were implemented in a context of political instability and economic decline, which made it difficult for the media to provide comprehensive and objective coverage. The journalists also note that the media's focus on sensationalism and ratings often overshadowed the importance of accurate reporting.

In conclusion, Images of the Enemy is a thought-provoking film that provides a comprehensive analysis of British television news coverage of the disarmament talks and east-west crises. Through extensive interviews with journalists in London and Moscow, the film explores the structures, organizations, and political constraints that encouraged negative views of the Soviet Union to flourish. It also examines the impact of Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika on the coverage of these critical events. While the film raises important questions about the media's role in shaping public opinion and the challenges faced by journalists in covering the Soviet Union, it also highlights the importance of accurate and objective reporting. The film serves as a valuable resource for scholars, journalists, and the public interested in understanding the complexities of the Cold War and its impact on global politics.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032631905