The New York Times analyses the debate surrounding the transmission by news broadcasters of terrorist kidnap videos.

However, the central question raised by the article -- "At what point does a media organization become a tool of war?" -- is a naive one.

Media organizations have always been tools of war, subject to manipulation both overt and covert by all sides.

One quote, by CNN boss Chris Cramer, stands out however -- and highlights the fickle nature of modern broadcast news.

Even videos of western hostages pleading for their life or being beheaded by terrorists are slipping down the running orders.

"Because of the number of incidents we have been forced to report, sadly, in recent weeks, we are less likely to show that kind of extract again," Cramer admits.