War News-Propaganda-Censorship
When people of a democratic country want to know what is happening in the world around them they turn to the media for information.
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy. In the era of World War II, newspapers were the main source of news followed
by the recently developed technology of radio. The problem with radio was that not every household could afford to own one.
However, once war was declared the freedom of the press was compromised by what was seen as the need for national security.
Censorship came into play. A newspaper that didn't follow the government regulations in
regards to reporting
news on the war effort would find itself in serious trouble. A Bureau of Public Information was operating by December of 1939.
It turned out press releases, photographs, radio programs, posters and booklets about "Canada at War." This one sided promoting
of a cause is known as propaganda. It was from this source that newspapers and radio could draw their stories. Canadians were
well informed on the rules and regulations and the government official line on the war but independent reporting was lacking.
Newspaper editorials were pro-war. By 1942, the Bureau became the Wartime Information Board with a mandate to co-ordinate all
public information about happenings in Canada and overseas. By 1943 all photographic work was controlled by the National Film
Board. People were even told to be very careful about their topic of conversation when in public places. People were advised to
say nothing that could be of benefit to the enemy. After all there was no knowing when spies were within hearing distance.
War posters were a popular way to spread propaganda as they got the message across in a
glance.
Censorship truly hit home to Canadians when they sent and received letters. Soldiers couldn't write their families about where they
were located or what they were involved with. People within the government were assigned to read letters and cut out anything
that could give information to the enemy. Many times people at home would receive letters from overseas filled with holes.
Greetings From the Middle East
News From the Front
It was not until after the war that the Canadian media printed the true story on many happenings.
Christie Biscuit Cartoon - Watch What You Say
