Do the media incite terrorist outrages: Would more social responsibility help?
Cordoned off in a group near the London terrorist murders, I interviewed a posse of the main TV channels namely CNBC, ARD, ITV, Sky, BBC, Al Jazeera, RAI, France 24.
To each of the above I asked 'Do you think that your live broadcasts actually contribute to terrorist acts because you give the terrorists what they want which is publicity?' They were there to report live on the terrorist act the night at London Bridge and Borough Market.
The response was unanimously, "we report to give the public what they want - so they may be informed".
But dont you think you are given the terrorists what they want - i.e. oxygen for their outrages?
We must report they all insisted. Otherwise we are not doing our job. They then threw their hands in the air and say they didnt want to be censored. Further, social media and the internet send out the stories quicker than they so they must provide live pictures of the event location even though there is basically nothing to see.
My suggestion was that they should only report once the outrage is over and all the facts are in, and not for all channels to blanket the airwaves for days on end thereby giving the terrorists what they want.
There was some sympathy for my view but none, with the exception of CNBC, suggested action.
My further suggestion is that the news channels should come together, under their CSR, to voluntarily NOT report on terrorist outrages until a reasonable time has passed.
There were NO takers. The media MUST do more...they are there now as I write reporting on now long passed events. Who gains? Unfortunately the slain terrorists who knew they would occupy the front pages for days. And soon, no doubt and certainly not to my liking, will come copycat murders.
President and Principal Consultant, Executive Interface, LLC
7 年Their mission is no longer to report the news, but to get clicks and sell subscriptions. They do this now be feeding the frenzy.
Editor at StrategyShelf.com
7 年The terrorists love the marketing power of "Dirty Laundry." https://youtu.be/YHimia_Fxzs
Vice President of Information Security Programs & ST-ISAC Director
7 年The question shouldn't be "if" news organizations should cover these events (they absolutely should), but "how" they cover them. Sensational reports fearuring frantic/terrorized crowds and cell phone videos on an endless loop may increase ratings, but it also amplifies the terror caused by the event and therefore furthers the terrorists' aims. Moreover, the sometimes misguided/irresponsible "analysis" that follows from reporters with a limited knowledge of the issues involved can reinforce long-held, but nevertheless incorrect, beliefs on the issue. As Susanne said, stick to the 5 W's (even then, leave the conjecture alone) and let well-credentialed and respected professionals provide the more in depth analysis once the dust has settled a bit and the more intricate details of the attack are confirmed by authorities.