NCJ Number
107449
Journal
University of Toledo Law Review Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1986) Pages: 141-150
Date Published
1986
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the roles of terrorists, the Government, and the media in terrorist incidents, with attention to the problems and possibilities in media-Government interaction associated with such incidents.
Abstract
When terrorist acts occur, governments attempt to control the immediate situation by reducing the confusion surrounding the incident and by implementing strategies to terminate the incident with minimal adverse consequences, while portraying the act as criminal and irrational. The media aim to cover the incident in a way that will induce audiences to patronize their reporting instead of that of their competitors. This often leads to sensationalized news reports, the further spreading of terror, interference with Government responses, and the provision of forums for terrorists. Self-restraint and more complete reporting by the media can be promoted by educating the media about the nature of terrorism, about the problems and issues facing Government officials, and about the political and social antecedents to and the milieux of terrorism. 6 footnotes.