The Media's Relationship with Terrorism

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The Media's Relationship with Terrorism

The Conflict

The media played an important role in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. As it had in the past, the media kept the public informed about what was going on, consulted with government officials, and tried to give the audience background information to better understand the perpetrators. Complaints about media-reported rumors, inaccuracies, and networks' attempts to win viewers with sensationalized coverage emerged soon after September 11. Did the media do a good job or was it carried away with the drama of the moment? Did the media relate terrorism coverage informatively or did it help promote the fear the terrorists' hoped to impart?

Media Manipulation

• Terrorists often seek to pull off high-profile attacks in an attempt to gain media coverage for their cause or their group. In reporting on an event, the media must be mindful not to legitimize the terrorists or sensationalize their attack.
• Government officials have "leaked" secret information to the media, who then report on it. Leaks such as this run the risk of compromising U.S. actions. In its quest for information, can the media go too far in reporting?
• Under the Ronald Reagan administration, government officials gave false information to the media in an attempt to achieve foreign policy goals.

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