Noam Chomsky, in his book "Imperial Ambitions: Conversations on the Post-9/11 World," expresses a critical view on the role of journalists in conflict zones. He argues that labeling oneself as an "embedded journalist" signifies a compromising relationship with governmental authority, suggesting that such journalists are essentially acting as propagandists for the government rather than pursuing objective truth.

Chomsky believes that true journalism should maintain independence and integrity, distancing itself from any alignment with power structures. By accepting embedded roles, journalists may lose their ability to question authority and report unfiltered realities, thereby undermining the fundamental principles of honest journalism.