Mass-Mediated Terrorism

The Central Role of the Media in Terrorism and Counterterrorism

By (author) Brigitte Nacos

Paperback - £26.00

Publication date:

29 March 2007

Length of book:

264 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780742553798

Mass-Mediated Terrorism, Second Edition, an in-depth look at terrorism, political violence, and mass media, shows how terrorists exploit global media networks and information highways to carry news of their violence along with 'propaganda of the deed.' To what extent is the media advancing or obstructing the propaganda and policy goals of terrorists and their targets? Has the Internet strengthened the hands of terrorists to organize, recruit, and spread propaganda? How have targets of terrorism used the media to manipulate public opinion and advance their own agendas? From U.S. cases to incidents abroad, this award-winning book explores the use of political violence for the sake of publicity, media coverage of counterterrorism policies and its affect on political decision making, and the impact of new media. This revised second edition, which includes a new chapter on public opinion, is updated with analysis of the Iraq war, increasing terrorist attacks abroad, and subsequent counterterrorism measures. It also contains new information on the Arab satellite network Al-Jazeera and the use of the Internet in terrorist efforts. Mass-Mediated Terrorism offers a blueprint both for effective public information and media relations during terrorism crises as well as for ethical news coverage of major terrorism incidents.
It is a disturbing truth that a detailed analysis of the terrorism phenomenon, first published in 2002, requires major updates a scant five years later. The new challenges reported by Brigitte Nacos are huge. New media have enhanced the power of terrorists to instill fear and recruit followers. To cope with the evolving dangers, citizens and their leaders need to be aware of these developments. Mass-Mediated Terrorism provides the necessary insights.