The Media: A Terrorist Tool or a Silent Ally?

This paper examines the relationship between terrorism and the media over the past forty years. The questions it addresses are: Is the media terrorist relationship a symbiotic or a one way relationship? Should the media dedicate as much time as it currently does to terrorists and their acts? The paper is divided into three parts. First, the paper looks at the notions of the media and terrorism and examines how their meaning has evolved over the years. Secondly, the paper looks at three aspects of the media/terrorist relationship. (a) The aims of terrorists in using the media. These include (i) gaining attention for themselves and their cause, and spreading fear within a matter of seconds, (ii) securing public recognition of their motives and attracting sympathisers, (iii) securing legitimacy for their acts. The Munich Olympic Games of 1972 and the activities by the Le Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ) are examples of terrorists\´ successful manipulation of the media. (b) The extent to which the mass media pursue their own interests in relation to terrorism, with reporters becoming the leading actors in the production of the events. "The Media are rewarded for broadcasting terrorism in that they energise their completion for audience size and circulation and thus for all-important advertising" (Nacos 2006, 82). In some cases, reporters in an attempt to be the "first" to break the news have unknowingly provided terrorists with vital information, and that has cost human lives. (c) Occasions when terrorists become the media themselves. This is achieved in two ways: (i) terrorists carry out an attack having previously carefully chosen the location, time and the target; (ii) terrorists send their messages directly to the media outlets, where the content of the message has been pre-decided. Al-Qaeda has used this technique on numerous occasions. Summary form only given. Thirdly, the paper examines measures to curb the \´immaturity\´ of the mass media. It examines methods- - that have been used to break the link between terrorists and the media, and their usefulness and desirability. It also examines the case for legal and ethical restrictions so that people\´s \´right to know\´ does not result in the over-dramatising of events.