The Pentagon's TV Warriors

Big story in the New York Times today about how, in 2006, so-called military analysts working for major news networks were fed talking points by Donald Rumsfeld, in an attempt to deflect attention from criticisms made by a group of generals suggesting Rumsfeld should step down.
The notion that media is a mouthpiece for government is well-known. I like to argue that it's also unhelpful, in that it provides that same government with an easy way to foster a general distrust and disillusionment with media in cases where it's actually making important points.
The Times story is an incredibly damning indictment of American news. It shows exactly how media can be made into a propaganda machine -- the shadows of suspicion, paranoia and conspiracy are removed, and you can see the direct approach the Bush administration has taken to controlling coverage of its policies.
However, I think a key thing to keep in mind while reading this is that the Times is news media, too. This is certainly an important piece of reporting, done by a major American news outlet -- a good instance of the media monster checking itself and, through exposing a massive flaw, also reaffirming why, when it works, it is an absolutely essential element of a functional democracy. A blogger can make as much noise as he wants about corruption in mainstream media, but it takes a source with the reach and influence of the Times to make these kinds of stories catalysts for change.