The Terrorists’ Best Ally: The Quebec Media Coverage of the FLQ Crisis in October 1970

What is it about?

During the past forty years or so there have been many instances in which media coverage of terrorist events was problematic, evoking public criticism and antagonizing the authorities. The essay opens by mentioning some of the most troubling episodes, and then reflects on some incidents that took place in Canada, a country that has not typically suffered from terrorism. The essay focuses on the FLQ crisis in October 1970, arguably the most problematic event of all, and shows that some organs of the French media cooperated with the terrorists because they felt sympathy with the FLQ’s basic premise, and did not really perceive them as terrorists. The crisis escalated rapidly into a state of national emergency, and the War Measures Act was invoked. Some segments of the media played a significant role in provoking the authorities to such a dramatic action.

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Why is it important?

An example as to how the media should NOT behave in its coverage of terrorism. Human lives are at stake. Responsibility is required.

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