Media Coverage of Terror: Troubling Episodes and Suggested Guidelines

What is it about?

During the past forty years there have been many instances in which media coverage of terrorist events was problematic and irresponsible, evoking public criticism and antagonizing the authorities. This essay aims to shed light on the intricate relationships between government, media and terrorists. Through close scrutiny of irresponsible actions of some organs of the media in crisis situations in the USA, the UK, Israel, Canada and Germany, it is argued that important lessons should be learned, indicating the need to develop a set of guidelines for responsible media coverage of terror. One might think that in this triangle of government, media, and terrorists the media would side with the government in the fight against terror. This study shows that this was not always the case, and that the media sometimes allied themselves with terrorists for partisan or ideological reasons. The media should cooperate with the government when human lives are at stake in order to bring a peaceful end to the terrorist episode.

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Why is it important?

The media should be responsible in its coverage of terror. Human lives are at stake.

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