CAMP MEDIA POLICY

Because of the Soldier of Fortune incident, a media policy was formulated for Lay Po camp. This policy can also be adapted for use by activist groups which seek media coverage of their efforts.

1. The media are very dangerous, and in many cases will act like the enemy. They must be treated with great care.

2. The risks of dealing with the media include the death of soldiers and noncombatants (e.g., their families), and the failure of the unit’s mission.

3. The media cannot be controlled. Control is lost when they are given information or admitted to the camp.

4. The media will not do what they say. They will lie to get a story. Their editors and producers will change the story. They will lie in the story, about what they are told and what they see.

5. This is because it becomes their story. They shape it to suit their needs.

6. Therefore, the media should be allowed no, or very limited, camp information and access. (Only two journalists - one writer and one photographer - were admitted to Lay Po.)