Skepticism and Exposure: Television Coverage of the Vietnam War

Abstract

As the United States was expanding its role in the Vietnam War, television sets were increasingly becoming integral components in many American households. With more Americans tuning into news programs, television presented continual reminders to the public of the expanding US involvement in Vietnam, and the sacrifices that came with war. Unlike any prior American war, the sights and sounds from the war in Vietnam unfolded in the living rooms of the American public. Combined with critical analysis by reporters both on the frontlines and in studios, the reports from Vietnam would leave a lasting impression for many Americans. This unprecedented combat coverage allowed for a mostly unfiltered glimpse into the war, forever changing wartime reporting. As the war progressed and US officials continued to present an optimistic vision of progress in Vietnam, the reality seen daily by Americans on their TVs was much different. News segments and commentaries showed the true state of the stalemate, allowing public support for the war effort to deteriorate overtime.