1991 Gulf War Begins - Back to the Days of Radio

Tonight I am watching a movie I've seen several times before, but am always amazed by, Live From Bagdad. It tells the story of the news men and women that were in Iraq in the days leading up to and during the first hours of the Gulf War in 1991. The story is told from the point of view of the CNN on-location producer Robert Wiener. At the time CNN was the first and only 24 hours news network, but hadn't yet made a serious name for itself. The Gulf War changed all that in one shocking, brilliant moment as the skys lit up over Bagdad and CNN had the only secured live feed back to the west.

At around 2:30 am on January 15th the bombs started dropping on Iraq and CNN went live. Bernard Shaw, Peter Arnett & John Holliman began non-stop broadcasting describing the events unfolding as best they could for an audience that could only hear the bombs and the anti-aircraft guns in the distance. The broadcast was picked-up by all the major networks of the United States and around the world. These three men from CNN had a birds eye view of bombs dropping from the sky, and had the eloquence to describe the event. Not since the radio days of World War II were American audiences so captivated by radio style news broadcasting. From 2 am to 5 am, CNN ruled the kingdom of news. It would catapult them into the stratosphere, and give them the power to stay on top of the news business for many years and create a viable business model for 24 hour news. Today, we all expect our news anytime day or night; back then it was dinner time.

It is an interesting contrast to the start of the second Gulf War. With satellite phones and video phones, the press better prepared; no single network was able to take the day the way CNN was able to do in 1991. No network probably ever will have such great luck of timing and perseverance again, at least no in my lifetime.

Below is first few minutes of Bernard Shaws history making broadcast:

Step-Son In Iraq

Carlos Sr., celebrated his 21st birthday a few days ago. He celebrated that birthday in war torn Iraq. As someone that lived overseas for several years I understand the trials and tribulations of living in a foreign land, even when the warm blanket of Uncle Sam is there with you. I can even understand living in a nation on the brink of devestating war, Korea always seemed one hour from the edge all the time. I can't though understanding being in a hot zone, taking enemy fire, moving from one location to the next never knowing where the next insurgent might take a pot shot at your squad. I also can't imagine the imense heat of Iraq in Summer.

So while I have always taken an interest in where our troops are serving, my interest has turned personal, very personal.

Currently our nation and the world at large is divided about Iraq and the ongoing war, but I believe that most wish only the best for our men and women in uniform and pray for their quick and safe return to their waiting families. Carlos' unit is serving an 18 month tour in Iraq. We may not see him again until sometime in 2008. 18 months is a huge sacrifice for both Carlos and his family. I can't imagine not seeing Tracy or Courtney for 18 months. However the sacrifice is not an empty one. I firmly believe our cause is just, the mission imporant and the call to serve as patriotic one. One that is being served by volunteers. Men and women like Carlos who have chosen the military as a way of life. The outcome of this war, as with all wars, is uncertain; but I know that Carlos will serve his country and his family with distinction. And while many will speak of our soldiers making us proud, I can say that Carlos should have no fear in that regard for he has already made all of us proud.