Mass-mediated Terrorism


Book Description

Mass-Mediated Terrorism, Second Edition, an in-depth look at terrorism, political violence, and mass media, shows how terrorists exploit global media networks and information highways to carry news of their violence along with 'propaganda of the deed.' To what extent is the media advancing or obstructing the propaganda and policy goals of terrorists and their targets? Has the Internet strengthened the hands of terrorists to organize, recruit, and spread propaganda? How have targets of terrorism used the media to manipulate public opinion and advance their own agendas? From U.S. cases to incidents abroad, this award-winning book explores the use of political violence for the sake of publicity, media coverage of counterterrorism policies and its affect on political decision making, and the impact of new media. This revised second edition, which includes a new chapter on public opinion, is updated with analysis of the Iraq war, increasing terrorist attacks abroad, and subsequent counterterrorism measures. It also contains new information on the Arab satellite network Al-Jazeera and the use of the Internet in terrorist efforts. Mass-Mediated Terrorism offers a blueprint both for effective public information and media relations during terrorism crises as well as for ethical news coverage of major terrorism incidents.




Searching for a Demon


Book Description

This provocative volume thoroughly examines the ways in which the media demonized militia groups following the devastating bombing of the Alfred F. Murrah building in Oklahoma City. Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, Steven M. Chermak offers a fresh perspective on how news coverage and popular entertainment transformed a largely overlooked movement into a symbol for this new threat of domestic terrorism and ignited a national panic over the "militia menace." Searching for a Demon describes the representation of the militia movement in the news media, editorial cartoons, films, and television. Chermak delves into such topics as the type and amount of coverage after the blast, how social problems are constructed in the news, the motivations and biases of authoritative or "celebrity" figures used as news sources, and why images of militias were framed in specific ways. Chermak balances his account with an in-depth look at the philosophies, activities, and strategies of militia groups. Drawing on extensive interviews he conducted at gun shows and preparedness exhibitions, the author compares and contrasts media depictions of militia life and ideology with the firsthand accounts of members and leaders themselves, and he assesses how media coverage affected changes in the movement. In conclusion, Chermak discusses the parallels between media treatment of militias in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing and the coverage of the al-Qaeda terrorist network after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Solidly grounded in social constructionist theory, Searching for a Demon fills a significant gap in the literature on terrorism as well as on the roles of the news media and popular culture in reshaping the public consciousness after dramatic crimes.




The Theater of Terror


Book Description




Media and Terrorism


Book Description

This is an excellent source which puts students in the heart of the contemporary discussion and encourages them to form opinions. It is a great resource for seminars as well as gateways to research. - Paul Matthews, University College Birmingham "An excellent text that covers not only how the media cover acts of terrorism but also how terror groups can manipulate the media." - David Lowe, Liverpool John Moores University Have the media contributed to exacerbating the political, cultural and religious divides within Western societies and the world at large? How can media be deployed to enrich, not inhibit, dialogue? To what extent has the media, in all its forms, questioned, celebrated or simply accepted the unleashing of a ′war on terror′? Media and Terrorism: Global Perspectives brings together leading scholars to explore how the world′s media have influenced, and in turn, been influenced by terrorism and the war on terror in the aftermath of 9/11. Accessible and user-friendly with lively and current case studies, it is an essential handbook on the dynamics of war and the media in a global context.




Selling Fear


Book Description

The news as commodity, public good, and political manipulator -- Selling fear : the not so hidden persuaders -- Civil liberties versus national security -- Selling the Iraq war -- Preventing attacks against the homeland -- Preparing for the next attack -- Mass-mediated politics of counterterrorism -- Postscript. President Obama : underselling fear?




Understanding Terrorism in the Age of Global Media


Book Description

We cannot truly understand - let alone counter - terrorism in the 21st century unless we also understand the processes of communication that underpin it. This book challenges what we know about terrorism, showing that current approaches are inadequate and outdated, and develops a new communication model to understand terrorism in the media age.




Terrorism and the Press


Book Description

Many books have been written about the press and terrorism - particularly since September 11th - but this is the first press-focused exploration of their relationship. Drawing upon the history of terrorism, mass communication research, media theory, and journalism practice, this book examines how the press reports terrorism, and how that reporting varies depending on the medium and location. Examining the differences in reporting - globally and historically within different media and government systems - Terrorism and the Press provides insights for how, in the future, we can better navigate the relationship between the press, government, and audience when terrorists attack.




Media, Terrorism and Society


Book Description

This book provides new insights on contemporary terrorism and media research, opening the door for fresh perspectives and trends exploring theories and concepts in the field. Advances in technology have increased the threat of terrorism, as the Internet has helped terrorists to recruit new members, plan their attacks, and amplify their messages. As technology continues to evolve, it is not difficult to imagine how the advanced information and technology of the new millennium could cause more terrifying realities in the world today. During this period of profound technological change, we need to understand the relationships between media, society, and the new paradigm of terrorism. In our global society where the war on terrorism knows no borders, countries are increasingly recognizing the importance of improving terrorism coverage domestically and globally. This book is a valuable resource, offering key directions for assessing the ongoing revolutionary changes and trends in communicating terrorism in the digital age. This book was originally published as a special issue of Mass Communication and Society.




Running Toward Danger


Book Description

From the Newsuem, America's only museum of news, comes the definitive book detailing behind the scenes of how journalist covered the deadly assaults of September 11, 2001.




Terrorism and the Media


Book Description

Terrorism and the Media presents the diverse points of view of those involved in and affected by insurgent terrorism: terrorists, journalists, victims, researchers, governments and the public. It analyzes the objectives, successes and failures of terrorism, and addresses media related issues such as freedom of the press, codes of ethics, intimidation, victimization, technology and censorship. The book includes: interviews with terrorists from Northern Ireland, Spain and the PLO; an analysis of the expansion of counter terrorism measures in the UK to more generalized civil and media control - indicating that such measures breed rather than inhibit terrorism; an account of the ambivalent attitudes of media editors towards ter