A historical analysis indicates that photographs taken during wartime affect public opinion. This seems to be especially true in regard to photographs that have gained iconic status. This study examines the relationship between patterns of war coverage and public opinion during the Iraq War. Through a coding system, the study uncovers reoccurring themes in photographs, measures the emotions depicted in the images and counts the graphic images published. The research pays particular attention to the relationship between iconic images and the public's support, or lack thereof, for the war. While the results of the study were not able support a definitive relationship between public opinion and photographic coverage, they did suggest a potential relationship. The results found in this study should be used to further study the impact of iconic images on public opinion.
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