Terrorism and Media

Terrorism and Media

If there was no media around these events would never have been reported and would have been long forgotten and those at fault would never have been reprimanded for their mistakes. Despite all of their mistakes being made public the police do not wish for a total blackout of media coverage during terrorist events. The police believe that the media can be a very helpful tool in helping them combat terrorism. The media is a powerful tool for vanquishing rumors, clearing up misinformation, and combat fear (Miller 7). While the media can sometimes hinder the police it is also a great asset their for their disposal in combating terrorism. In conclusion, when the media emphasizes terrorist events it helps to facilitate two of the universal goals of terrorist. The first is that the terrorists gain publicity and attention is drawn to their cause. The second is that when the media shows events and over exaggerates it influences public attitudes about the root of their politically motivated violence. Brian M. Jenkins summed up what terrorism is when he said "Terrorism is aimed at the people watching, not the actual victims. Terrorism is theater" (Jenkins, Brian M. qtd.