Page 172 - MDSL Final

CONCEPTS AND APPLICATION OF MARITIME POWER
Media operations allow decision makers to consider how international
audiences will perceive an internal conflict and even to effect in the
manner in which the discussion about a particular operation is possible
within the limits of legality and morality.
Suitable integration of media with regard to naval/military operations
forms an important component of Information Warfare. During an
operation, media influences public opinion at home, in the adversary
country and in the international community. It thereby impacts
significantly on the course of the operation in many ways. A supportive
public opinion at home reflected in the media is particularly critical
for morale of the maritime forces. Good media reportage also seeks
to disseminate factual information to counter deception and PSYOPS
of the adversary. Lately, the advances in communications technology
have further enhanced the role of media in armed conflict. Images of
the conflict are now available in homes through mass communication
networks, some of these virtually in real-time. While the operational
commander would need to provide a clear, confident and credible
message to the media even the broad contours of operational objectives;
the imperatives of security would need to be balanced with the benefits
of factual reporting.

The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) was
established during the war in May 2006 at a time when
public was practically depending on the false LTTE media
campaigns. It was established for the specific purpose of
disseminating all national security and defence-related
information and data to the media and the public from
one co-coordinated centre. It was pivotal in providing
accurate information and disproving false propaganda
of those who were aiming to discredit the Nation. Media
coordinators of all three armed forces, the Police and
Special Task Force, attached to the Joint Operations
Headquarters (JOH) liaised with field formations to
collect and disseminate information.

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 153