Overview

The media has told us for over twenty five years that the conflict in Northern Ireland is irrational and has 'no objective social basis'. The role of the British Army in Northern Ireland is still described as a peacekeeping one: the cause of the 'troubles' as 'terrorism'. Yet, even in the light of the peace initiatives, many people in Britain and abroad know little about the war that has not been called a war. Why is this so? Don't Mention the War explains some of the fundamental reasons why there is such a dearth of knowledge and concern about Northern Ireland and how the problem has been defined both publicly and politically. Miller argues that the central strategy of the British state since 1969 has been to contain the troubles and bring about a return to 'normal'. In pursuing this argument, Miller examines the strategies and tactics used by the British government, the nationalists, the unionists and others to influence perceptions and ideas about the conflict through press statements and other information management activities. This is a unique and timely work, based on over 100 interviews with journalists, government officials, political activists and politicians, which lays bare the lies of the propagandists and paints a disturbing picture of the success of the media managers in manipulating our perception of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

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9780745308364

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Reviews

'(Miller's book) serves a purpose in trying to stimulate a far from redundant debate' Richard Norton Taylor, Guardian'A very comprehensive analysis of the situation in N.Ireland ' P Dring, Media Studies, Southampton Institute'This book...holds an important message for those concerned with truth in the news'The Irish News'A solid, honest, assiduous book...Well worth reading' Eamonn McCann, Tribune'The best analysis I have read of the politics of news production in this country - and the best book about the propaganda struggle since Liz Curtis' Ireland: The Propaganda War' Lobster'This is surely - and likely to remain for some time - the definitive study of 'public relations and the Northern conflict... We'll return to this: it is superb' Books Ireland'A definitive account of the propaganda battle ... dilligently researched reportage' Andersonstown News'The most up-to-date and comprehensive account of the media's involovement in reporting Northern Ireland since Liz Curtis's earlier path-breaking study, Ireland: The Propaganda War. Miller's [study] is written in an accessible style and provides authoritative comentary. [It is] essential reading for anyone interested in the propaganda war' Irish Studies Review'Should be required reading for everyone with an interest in the British media' Planet'An excellent book, clearly written, well referenced and theoretically succinct. Supported by sound empirical research of the local, Irish, British and international media outlets; numerous personal interviews and a good audience analysis study, Miller charts the contours of the propaganda war over the past twenty five years' Just News'An authoritative study of the media' Brian Feeney, Irish News'The insights provided by David Miller into the workings of the media over the past 25 years are of enduring value' Paul Donovan, Catholic Herald

Author Information

David Miller is Lecturer in Media Studies at Stirling University and is a member of the Glasgow University Media Group. He is contributor to a number of publications including Dying of Ignorance? AIDS, the Media and Public Belief (London: Sage, forthcoming) and Controlling Broadcasting: Access, Policy and Practice in North America and Europe (Manchester University Press, 1994). He has also written for Index on Censorship and Media, Culture and Society.

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