Russian Media as Actor of Informational Counter-Terrorism Who Forms Antiterrorist Consciousness

Abstract

The article deals with the problems of terrorist acts coverage by the Russian media, informational counter-terrorism and formation of anti-terrorist consciousness. The relevance of the study is explained by the fact that terrorism, being a socially dangerous phenomenon that openly demonstrates violence and intimidation towards the public, aims at producing a certain informational effect, which terrorists consider necessary. Therefore, improving the mechanisms of counter-terrorism, including informing the public, is of vital importance. In this relation, mass media should be viewed as both a means of influencing collective consciousness and a tool of information transfer via verbal communication. The article describes the role of mass media in the tragical events of the early XX century in Russia, as well as their missteps and mistakes. The author also analyzes social realia of the present and notes that the contemporary terrorists thrive on publicity. Therefore, those terrorists who do not have access to broadcasting will not get coverage of their actions, which will lead to a considerable decrease in the number of attacks. The author states the necessity of coordinated actions of the authorities, the public and the media aimed at developing a single policy to prevent terrorists from using mass media. Meanwhile, the constitutional principle of freedom of speech should be a priority. The article proposes recommendations on how to increase the efficiency of the media in the sphere of counter-terrorism, and emphasizes their role in forming anti-terrorist consciousness.