The media, often referred to as the “Fourth Estate,” is a powerful force in any democracy. It has the ability to shape public opinion, influence policies, and hold institutions accountable. With rapid technological advancements, even the military—once an exclusive and insulated entity—has found itself within the media’s ever-expanding sphere of influence.
Today, no element of the DIME paradigm (Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economic) is beyond scrutiny. Transparency, accountability, and public discourse are essential in a democratic setup, and the military is no exception.
Beyond merely reporting events, media serves as a platform for ideation, offering valuable perspectives that can drive mid-course corrections in military policy and execution. The symbiotic relationship between the media and the military continues to evolve, bringing both challenges and opportunities.
A Historical Perspective
During British colonial rule, military affairs were kept away from public discourse. Despite the introduction of radio, the printing press, and telegraphy, strict laws such as the Rowlett Act and the Indian Official Secrets Act restricted media coverage of military matters. The focus of the press remained largely on the independence movement, leaving little room for coverage of military affairs or civil-military relations.
After independence, the dynamics began to shift. The promulgation of the Constitution in 1950, which guaranteed press freedom, marked the first major milestone in military-media interactions. The Sino-Indian War of 1962 led to significant structural reforms in both the military and the government. By the time of the 1965 India-Pakistan conflict, media coverage of military affairs had improved significantly. The period between 1966 and 1971 saw increased reporting on military matters, culminating in extensive media coverage of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
The second watershed moment came in 1999 during the Kargil conflict. Satellite television brought the war directly into Indian living rooms, marking a paradigm shift in military-media relations. The introduction of mobile messaging services in the same year, followed by an explosion of social media platforms between 2001 and 2010, transformed the media landscape entirely. Real-time reporting, digital platforms, and citizen journalism became the new norm, redefining how military operations were perceived and discussed.
The Present Landscape: Navigating the Digital Era
We are now witnessing the third watershed moment in the era of streaming services and OTT platforms. The proliferation of social media, coupled with an insatiable demand for real-time information, has dramatically altered how military affairs are reported and consumed. In certain situations, media personnel arrive at conflict zones before military units, shaping public opinion before official military statements are issued.
This calls for a fundamental shift in the military’s approach to media. Rather than viewing media as an external entity, there is a pressing need to integrate media awareness into military training. Conversely, journalists covering military affairs must develop a nuanced understanding of military operations to ensure accurate and responsible reporting. Striking a balance between inclusivity in information dissemination and maintaining operational security is now more critical than ever.
Challenges and the Path Forward
The media operates on tight deadlines. If the military fails to provide timely information, the media will still publish reports—sometimes without complete data—leading to misinformation or incomplete narratives. A delayed response can create a credibility gap, which is difficult to bridge, particularly in conflict zones. To address this, military personnel must be trained to engage with the media effectively. This training should be incorporated at all levels, not just in select programs.
Traditionally, military training fosters a black-and-white approach to decision-making—clear orders, defined objectives, and structured execution. In contrast, the media operates in shades of gray, exploring multiple perspectives. This fundamental difference in mindset often leads to friction. However, with proper training and a shift in outlook, the military can harness the media as a force multiplier rather than viewing it as an adversary.
There is an urgent need to identify and nurture military officers with a natural flair for communication. A specialized media engagement unit within the military could bridge the gap between operational secrecy and public information needs. By doing so, the armed forces can ensure steady, informed engagement with the media while fostering a positive public perception.
Leveraging Media for National Strength
In the information age, media and public relations will play a pivotal role in shaping national security narratives. A well-managed media strategy can help the military showcase indigenous technological advancements, highlight defense capabilities, and reinforce national strength on the global stage. Effective media engagement, combined with military competence and political will, forms a crucial trinity in ensuring strategic success.
As Carl von Clausewitz famously argued, public opinion is a critical element in war. In today’s hyper-connected world, shaping that opinion requires proactive media engagement, transparency, and strategic communication. The future of military-media relations lies not in isolation but in collaboration—working together to inform, educate, and build a more resilient nation.
(The author is a former Colonel and a policy specialist in Semiconductors and Critical Electronics. Views expressed are personal.)
