As Pentagon Cancels Rendon Group Contract, US-NATO Spokesman in Afghanistan Defends Using Company to Profile Journalists

Democracy Now by Sharif Abdel Kouddous, Amy Goodman, Nir Rosen, Col. Wayne Shanks | Sep. 1, 2009 (News Report)

The Pentagon is canceling its contract with the private public relations firm The Rendon Group to produce background profiles of journalists seeking to cover the war. One journalist profiled was Nir Rosen, who got a hold of his profile. The Rendon Group reported to the Pentagon that Rosen’s reporting in Afghanistan was “highly unfavorable to international efforts." The Rendon Group profile also mentioned Rosen’s appearance on Democracy Now!, when he ... Full Story »

Posted by Dwight Rousu

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Subjects: U.S., Politics, Media
Topics: U.S. Military, Media and Politics
Member Tags: propaganda, Department of Offense, media and war, censorship
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Posted by: Posted by Dwight Rousu - Sep 1, 2009 - 11:05 AM PDT
Reviewed by: Dwight Rousu (review)
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Edited by: Dwight Rousu - Sep 1, 2009 - 11:05 AM PDT

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Dwight Rousu
4.5
 by Dwight Rousu - Sep. 1, 2009

The story of the Department of Offense hiring Rendon to profile and rate war reporters is given specificity regarding Nir Rosen and military control of information about military operations that reaches the public. The Army spin is included. Key journalism questions are involved.

Censorship of the reporting of the horrors of war and war crimes is an affront to democracy. The Stars and Stripes article provides a lever for discussion.

Truth is not the objective of the military. More »

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  • Files prove Pentagon is profiling reporters

    Stars and Stripes | Aug. 27, 2009 (News Report)
    Contrary to the insistence of Pentagon officials this week that they are not rating the work of reporters covering U.S. forces in Afghanistan, Stars and Stripes has obtained ...
    Posted by Derek Hawkins
    3.7
     See Reviews »

  • Pentagon Hires Rendon Group to Profile and Rate Journalists Covering Afghanistan War

    Democracy Now by Charlie Reed, James Bamford, Juan Gonzalez, Amy Goodman | Aug. 28, 2009 (News Report)
    The U.S. Army in Afghanistan has admitted it pays a private company to produce background profiles on journalists covering the war. The Pentagon has been on the defensive ever ...
    Posted by Dwight Rousu
    4.0
     See Reviews »
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