Argument

Why efficient strategy in relation to mass media is very important to curb

terrorism?

 

Outline

Media – what is it like?Relations: media - terrorists, media - Government and how media see its roleComments on the resolution of the Conference “Terrorism and mass media” , Fillipins, May 2002Liberal democratic state facing restriction of press. US help to support free press in developing (and former-Soviet Union) countries.Efficient strategy in relation to mass media

Media – what is it like?

Media itself is not monolithic:local, national, international, multi-cultural kinds of media

There are different ways to portray information: print, broadcast, electronic media

Approaches: telling stories, adopting an observer’s perspective, attempts to persuade, etc.

New trends: the use of bulletins, live coverage, witnesses, officials

Two independent sources are necessary

Another risks of everyday life that Americans come across in comparison with terrorism

auto accedentdrinking alcoholsmokingother AmericansWTC tragedy

Relationship: media-terrorists

T. act on prejudice and take reprisals on other innocent

T. target the media

T. attract media attention to provide conduit

T. are interested in publicity

T. Using open recourses (Internet)

T. want respect and legitimacy

T. want to spread fear and anxiety (psychological effect)

Relationship: media-Government

G. want Public understanding, cooperation and loyalty

A matter of trust: 31% against 26% (17% last year)

Jean Duffey: “ media was supportive to a legitimate whistle-blower but not these days…federal Government controls the press”

G. want to dictate how the terrorists are seen by the public

G. want to keep people calm

G. want to know what media knows

How the media considers its role?

M. wants an unlimited access to informationM. wants freedom to publish any informationM. wants to cover events in a professional mannerPress watchdog RSF blame the “war on terror”The matter of responsibility How far do we go in protecting free speech and free press?

Comments on the resolution of the Conference “Terrorism and mass media” , Fillipins, May 2002

media must highlight terrorist events journalists can make inquiries they have a right to inform about the conflict they have a maximum access to the terrirory of the conflict itself some methords for expanding the opportunities of the press should be acepted states that are taking part (and states not taking part) in the conflict must respect the rights of journalists

For or against restricting the press?

Dennis Pluchinsky:

Our (U.S.) media has committed a treason by publishing

information about

our security vulnerabilities…

Vladimir Putin:

It’s important to find a balance between restrictions and providing full information to society…

Liberal democratic state facing restriction of press. US programs to support free press in

developing countries

Freedom of press is critical to the survival of democracy

Yet, all states recognize the abridgement of free speech in order to protect national security or at times of war

US help developing (and former-Soviet Union) countries to protect the freedom of press

Efficient strategy in relation to mass media

The main stages of the strategy: Vietnam, the war in the Persian Gulf, KosovoAn efficient and opened strategy in relation to Mass Media“Complete eradication of terrorism seemed impossible. However, it can be minimized with positive role of media by creating awareness about this menace in all the segment of society”,- said Additional Inspector General of Larcana police, Hussein Haider