Navigating the Storm

A preliminary examination of Guantanamo…

As I watch CNN coverage this morning of the pending bill facing Congress over the treatment and trial of Guantanamo Bay detainees, I am struck by the sheer complexity of the issue. International law, covert CIA activities, torture, terrorism, military tribunals, midterm elections, questionably urgent presidential press conferences–it has the makings of a dramatic season of 24. As journalists, we face the heady task of reporting, analyzing, and intepreting multi-facted events such as this to provide the public with a complete and understandable version of the truth. When covering a story like Guantanamo Bay, I believe professional news organizations shoulder an even greater responsibility to its readers and audience because access to the main players in the story is limited. Bloggers can and do provide insight, analysis, and passionate views, but the original reporting and interviewing most often is in the hands of professional journalists.

Before delving into an ongoing analysis of coverage of the Guantanamo Bay story, my initial reaction is that the issues would benefit from combining the tools used by each of the mediums–in-depth analysis of print and online, visual breakdown by bullet points and soundbites of broadcast, and the ability to link online to both original documents (i.e. letter from General Colin Powell to Senator John McCain) and to varying perspectives.

May have more to say after this morning’s presidential press conference…