Media's Role in International Terrorism

• NCJ Number: 100600
• Journal: Terrorism Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (1985) Pages: 127-146
• Author(s): L J Martin
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented to a Press Freedom and Responsibility Sesson on 'The Media's Role in International Terrorism' arranged by the International Communication Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, Corvallis, Oregon, August 1983.

Annotation

Terrorism, like propaganda, is a form of persuasive communication.

Abstract

Like propaganda, it is a perjorative term. Some have referred to it as propaganda of the deed. It is hard to define because its definition depends on whether one agrees with the message. If one does, neither propaganda nor terrorism is the term that is normally used to describe such activity. After considering various definitions and examples of what is and is not terrorism, this paper looks at the symbolic relationship that exists between terrorism and the mass media. Each exploits the other and terrorism has no meaning without media coverage in this age of mass communications. Terrorists use mass media for both tactical and strategic purposes. While the mass media do, generally, cover terrorism at a rate of at least nine incidents per day worldwide, according to a pilot study undertaken for this paper, the press uses the term ''terrorist' sparingly, preferring such neutral terms as guerilla, rebel, and paramilitary, or using no value-laden adjectives at all. (Each country in the study, except Egypt, did, however, have its pet terrorists.) This raises the question of the effectiveness of terrorism. The press gives terrorists publicity but often omits the propaganda message that the terrorists would like to see accompanying reports of their exploits, thus reducing terrorism to mere crime or sabotage. (Author abstract)