Terrorism and the Media: A Handbook for Journalists

"Terrorists rely upon conventional journalistic codes of drama, violence and surprise, especially for television....Traditional media have not always taken the measure of their responsibility in this great propaganda game, and enter into the macabre dance of terror through the theatricalisation of information that hands terrorists the wand of murderous choreography."

Developed specifically for reporters, media professionals, and journalism students, the Terrorism and the Media handbook from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims to encourage reflection about some of the ethical and journalistic challenges these communicators must navigate. It is hoped that the contribution of this guidebook, developed with the inputs of journalists, editors, and media producers, will act as a resource for those covering terrorist events. The publication is designed to raise journalists' awareness of the need to exercise caution and examine carefully whom they quote, what messages they relay, and how they contextualise the information they give, despite the pressures to win readers, viewers, and listeners.

The author of the Foreword, UNESCO's Frank La Rue, notes that not every question posed in the handbook has a clear and incontestable answer but will at least encourage self-reflection on the part of media professionals as to how they can avoid contributing to stigmatisation of minority groups and to division. It may also provide a basis for the creation and revision of codes of practice to ensure that certain values are enshrined in the daily operations of media organisations - e.g., avoiding speculation and finger-pointing in the immediate confusion following an attack when nothing is known, yet the demand for information is perhaps the strongest of all.

The booklet lays out a framework for media coverage that highlights pitfalls and urges reportage that is free from sensationalism and fear-mongering.Topics covered include the journalistic "framing" of terrorism; the balance between freedom, security and responsibility; the handling of figures, images, and words; the security of journalists; and relations with victims, authorities, and terrorist groups. With numerous examples taken from recent events, the handbook addresses issues pertaining to the way journalists report on the victims of terror, handle rumours, report on the authorities' investigations, conduct interviews with terrorists, and report on their trials. A separate chapter is dedicated to issues pertaining to the safety of journalists, including kidnappings, and traumas that may be incurred by reporters.