CRMJ 521 WEEK 6 DISCUSSION

Chapter 11

The Information Battleground

Terrorist Violence and the Role of the Media

Perspectives: The Media and Government

The Perspective of the Media

· Media spin.

· News triage.

The Perspective of Governments

· Media as a source of concern.

· Reporting of terrorism as a source of concern.

· Some animosity.

Understanding the Role of the Media

· Publicizing the Cause

· Media-oriented terrorism.

· Broad exposure via mass communications.

· Mass Communications and the Terrorists’ Message

· Efficiency is necessary

· Common technologies:

· Print media.

· Radio.

· Television.

· The Internet.

· Mass Communications and the “New Media”

· New technologies and alternative broadcasting formats.

· Examples:

· Talk-show models

· Tabloid styles

· Celebrity status for hosts

· Entertainment spins

· Reporting Terrorism

· Market competition as a factor.

· Decisions:

· Which incidents to report.

· How to report incidents.

· Terrorist-initiated labeling.

· Labeling enemies and targets.

· Self-labeling

War for the Information High Ground

· Using the Media

· Manipulation of the news “scoop.”

· Points of criticism.

· Journalists disseminating terrorist propaganda.

· Shift from objectivity to sensational opinion.

· Realignments within the political environment.

· Counterpointing criticism.

· The Media as a Weapon

· “Information is power.”

· Case: Hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

· The contagion effect.

· The Risk of Backlash

· Terrorists can diminish their influence via unpopular acts.

· Terrorists can strengthen the resolve of adversaries.

Regulating the Media

· The Free Press

· Media gatekeeping.

· Journalistic self-regulation.

· The State-Regulated Press

· Routine intervention in reporting by the state.

· Media is used to benefit the state.

· Case: Cults of personality.