That's a bit of an oversimplified view. In fact, given the prevalence of global media these days, it is an increasing challenge to keep any operations from being disclosed. If you can except the principle that the element of surprise is necessary to the success of many kinds of operations, the media is indeed a threat to operations.

Consider our corporate media as an example. They routinely lie about drugs,distort our own history and spread any disinformation without scrutiny that the government wants to spread to citizen taxpayers. Are they a boon to the democratic process? And yes, since when is military success - even by the "good guys" - an indication of the advancement of democracy? Is it OK to lie to promote democracy? Is it OK to kidnap people suspected of being harmful and criminal to promote democracy? Just how much authoritarianism should be tolerate as a tool to promote democratic values? I don't equate respect for authority with democracy. Does everyone else?