The Mass Media and International Terrorism

This study examines the role of the mass media in combating international terrorism. The fight against terrorism is a complex and constantly on-going one. Information pressure affects the psyche of millions of people, directs and destabilises the socio-political situation in a country and the international system. Free media are important part of the democratic society; they can contribute to the protection of the democratic freedoms. With a clear understanding of their responsibility, the media can and should contribute significantly to the rapid and successful suppression of terrorist acts. This paper seeks to shed light on the intricate relationships between government, media, and terrorism. It argues that important lessons should be learned from past actions of the media, indicating the need to develop a set of guidelines for responsible media coverage of terror. One might think that in the triangle of government, media, and terrorism, the media would side with governments in the fight against terror. Findings however indicate that this was not always the case