Media Reporting of Terrorism: A Case Study of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis)

Abstract

Terrorist organizations have long realized the invaluable benefits of various media platforms, particularly social media, in achieving their tactical, operational and strategic goals. They have figured out how to make an impact through social media. Researchers have found that media plays a significant role in disseminating messages supporting terrorism. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, terrorism has attracted much media attention. ISIS, in particular, has produced the most technologically sophisticated propaganda compared to other terrorist groups. Since terrorism has received so much media attention, it is vital to understand how it is presented in international news. This study, therefore, examines terrorists' use of media while focusing on ISIS as a case study. Research findings suggest that employing media as a weapon in combat is vital to ISIS's strategy to establish a hypothetical Islamic caliphate. ISIS uses media for three central goals: promoting its propaganda, recruiting new fighters, and inciting violence. The article employs framing theory, a study of comparative journalism and global media coverage of terrorism. This paper also explores the idea that media coverage may very well encourage acts of terrorism. Bibliography Entry Sunawar, Lubna. 2022. "Media Reporting of Terrorism: A Case Study of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)." Margalla Papers 26 (2): 62-71.