Media Costruction on Global Terrorism: A Case on Kenya Media
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Date
2023-11
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Terrorism has always been rife especially the last two decades not only in Kenya but the whole globe, and specifically without forgetting the 9/11 attacks in the US. Transnational terrorism and delinquencies have obtained eminence with the coming up of novel media and international media broadcasting twenty-four hours. Nations are being confronted on their boundaries and their status in the global scene is in equal measure is being attacked by upcoming actors such as the terrorist groups and much more by the role played by both audio and print media to influence both public and foreign policy of states. The main objective of this research was to determine the construction of terrorism by media who are seen as supporters of global terrorism by their failure to gate keep and certainly setting an itinerary for the terrorists who have evidenced media as one of their crucial tools in the execution of violence on individuals. The research established how the media has set the public in the understanding of terrorism and its implication at the local and international levels. An interview with the key respondents was conducted to obtain primary data. 20 respondents were targeted to participate in the study. Secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished books, journals, and newspapers. Results showed that media framing has exacerbated ethnic or religious tensions in the aftermath of terrorism incidents, media framing as a security threat has impacted government policies and public attitudes toward national security and misinformation fueled by media perception has hindered rescue and response efforts on terrorism incidents. The study concludes that in all the four cases described in this study, the media portrayed these attacks as acts of terrorism aimed at causing fear, destruction, and casualties. They were not seen as self-defense or retaliation. These incidents were widely condemned by the international community and were considered to be massacres due to the intentional targeting of civilians. The study recommends the media to report accurately and responsibly on security-related issues to ensure that the public is well-informed and that policymakers can make rational decisions in the interest of national security.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of International Relations and Diplomacy of Kenyatta University, November 2023.
Supervisor
Wasonga