The Gulf War 1991

This page explores how the networks home and abroad covered the The Gulf War in the Persian Gulf of 1991.

The Gulf Crisis

CNN – War in the Gulf

CNN was perhaps the network most known for its association with The Gulf War. Immense pressure was put on CNN to be accurate knowing President Bush, Saddam Hussein and a worldwide audience would be watching. 24 hour global news capabilities put CNN in a strong position to cover the war and with CNN’s graphics department geared for constantly breaking news, they were able to handle the demands of the war. Around the clock, they produced around 7,000 separate graphics.

Part of the design process would include CNN’s designers watching military briefings, anticipating which graphic maps would need designing, as they would be required immediately after the briefing was over. The CNN war logo used 3D type over a ground plane representing the theatre of war. ‘Our red, gold and black logo was none too subtle, it expresses aggression, war and danger.’ explains CNN’s Vice President of Graphics Ann Williams. It could also be said to have a period feel of war. Immediately after the annoucement of the ceasefire CNN replaced its angry red and black logo with a cornflower blue, silver and off white ‘Toward Peace in the Gulf’ logo.

CNN always anticipating events was ready with other variations including ‘Cease Fire’ ‘War Over’ and ‘War Over?’ The same treatment of typography and logo was carried through to ‘Strike in the Gulf’ for the early 1993 air strikes in Iraq.

Live feed across the networks

4 more clips showing from the first day of the war… CNN was the clear leader in covering the war, as they were totally unique as the only broadcaster to be able to show everything to the viewers live – as it happened, so much so many European networks took the CNN international feed and showed it across their channels, these recordings are from German channels RTL, Sat1 and Dutch channel RTL4.

Those early clips were compelling viewing. Below are further examples from CNN’s coverage including various promos they produced to keep viewers hooked to their live coverage.

Studio presentation and graphics

BBC News – The Gulf War

Studio presentation and graphics

Sky News – Allies / Britain At War

Studio presentation and graphics

ITN – Gulf War

Studio presentation and graphics

NBC / ABC / CBS / HLN / CTV

Examples of studio graphics and presentation

Gulf Peace 1991

Strike in the Gulf 1993

Almost 2 years later and there’s more air strikes in the Gulf.

Strike on Iraq 1998

Examples of studio presentation and graphics