Terrorism and Hostage-Taking (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 262-266, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122467
• Author(s): T Mitchell
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper discusses the media's role in the terrorist strategy and the ways in which terrorists attempt to use the media to their advantage.

Abstract

The most important feature of modern society that has given terrorism impact is a mass communications network. Satellite communication permits the immediate broadcast of an event anywhere in the world. The publicity that even a few minor terrorist incidents can generate is the basis for terrorism's economy as a political strategy. To appeal to media coverage, terrorists have targeted sites in or near urban areas, and they plan events for drama, danger, and unpredictability. Frequently, terrorists insist on the broadcast or publication of a manifesto before substantive negotiations can begin for the release of hostages or victims. The media generally focus on the violence itself, however. Terrorists are thus usually dissatisfied with the kind of media coverage they receive. In incidents such as hijackings, hostage barricades, and kidnappings, there is often conflict between the media and law enforcement perspectives on the incidents. In such situations, each must respect the role of the other in serving the public and the victims. The media can often defuse terrorist frustrations by providing a forum for communicating ideas.