CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
For the purpose of
this study, Terrorism is the exercise
of violence or the threat of
violence against an unarmed and/or unsuspecting population to coerce it to meet the demands of the aggressor.
In this context,
terrorists usually have as its target a civilian population not a military
force, unless the latter has had little or no reason to anticipate hostile
action against it. For example, suicide bombers exploding their bombs in a
crowded market place would be terrorists, but small boys throwing stones or
even gasoline bombs at tanks in a riot would not be, while the tanks,
themselves, could easily become instruments of state terrorism. While this
definition may not be agreeable to all readers, and certainly not to all the
authors of works to be cited below, it establishes a parameter within which a
highly fluid topic can be more coherently discussed.
The erratic search for precision awareness of this
problem of ambiguity dates back
at least thirty years, but as A. Odasuo Alali and Kelvin Eke pointed out a decade ago, interest in the topic and
especially in defining a proper role for the media regarding terrorism has
fluctuated.
After a high profile terrorist incident the media’s role is at the
forefront of everyone’s attention, often accompanied by much journalistic
introspection and sometimes breast beating, but interest then quickly drops off
until the next such event. The result, according to Alali and Eke, is lack of
sustained research, leaving “a paucity of literature on the subject” (1991a:
2).
The same authors
credit Walter Laqueur as being one who traces the history and “grapples with
the intricacies of the term terrorism and the label terrorist”
(Alali and Eke 1991b: 3, citing Laqueur 1987: 11-12). In his work on political
terrorism, Paul Wilkinson distinguished it from three other types of
terrorism: criminal, psychic, and war (Alali and Eke 1991b: 4, citing Wilkinson
1974: 17).
Wilkinson went on to list three subtypes of political terrorism:
“revolutionary,” “sub revolutionary,” and “repressive.” The first is in support
of demands for changes in political structure, the second urges policy changes
within existing structures, and the third is carried out by the state or its
allies in the interest of maintaining the status quo (Alali and Eke 1991b: 4,
citing Wilkinson 1974: 36-40).
Although Andrew
Pierre admitted difficulty defining international terrorism, he
described it as “‘acts of violence outside national boundaries, or with clear
international repercussions.’” Pierre
is quoted as adding that “international terrorism is usually by non-state
actors” (Alali and Eke 1991: 4, citing Pierre 1984: 85).
1.2 Problem Statement
This study attempt to examine the pattern as well
as the role of mass media in the wagging war against global terrorism.
Research on terrorism and media
role is often difficult because the terrorists are usually faceless people in
hide place and is very had if not impossible for journalists to reach, their
responses may not be reliable .
It is obvious that terrorism
has become order of the day locally and globally which concerned authorizes are
yet to find a lasting solution. Mass media do write and update people on a
daily basis through their banner headlines and broadcast lead stories but many
reports about terrorists are not accurate, factual and balance because many
terrorists group only send messages or call on phone.
While many journalists do base their report on their ethnic,
language, racial, colour, religion background.
This study is actually ready to uncover the true role
expected of mass media in wagging war against terrorism, rebels, crime and
general violence against humanity.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To know the causes of terrorism in Nigeria.
- To know whether NTA and Nigerian Tribune are accurate and objective in reporting terrorism.
- To examine the challenges facing NTA and Nigerian Tribune in reporting terrorism activities.
- To know why terrorists are attacking media outfits and journalists in era.
- To highlight how journalists can better inform the general public on terrorism.
- To examine whether NTA and Nigerian Tribune reports about terrorism create tension among the people?
- To know if journalists distort terrorism stories to sell their newspapers?
- To x ray the credibility of sources of information that NTA and Nigerian Tribune rely on in getting terrorism stories?
1.4 Research Questions
- What are the remote causes of terrorism in Nigeria?
- How objective is NTA and Nigerian Tribune in covering terrorism issue?
- Is there any challenge facing NTA and Nigerian Tribune in covering terrorism activities?
- Why do terrorists attack media houses and journalists?
- Can NTA and Nigerian Tribune help in reducing terrorism?
- Do NTA and Nigerian Tribune reports about terrorism create tension among the people?
- Do journalists distort terrorism stories to sell their newspapers?
- How reliable are sources of information about terrorism use by NTA and Nigerian Tribune?
1.5 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study resides in the topic of the
research work, the scope of the study will be limited to NTA and Nigeria
Tribune. Despite the limitations the result of the research will be generalized
on all mass media since it is difficult if not impossible to reach all mass
media nation wide.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study which is on the role of mass media in wagging war against
global terrorism will be beneficial to media practitioners as well as mass
communication students.
This will also help other researchers
to further investigate to other aspect this research might not be able to
cover.
The research will be of benefit to the
government to learning from public opinion of the respondents on what they need
to be done and what other plans the terrorists might have.
Academically, the study will form an
extension of knowledge to the academic study for future researchers.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Role:
This is the
function or responsibilities expected of mass media (Nigeria Tribune and National
Television Authority) to play in wagging war again terrorism.
Mass Media: These are means of communicating to
large, scatter and heterogeneous audience used in wagging war against terrorism
in Nigeria.
Crusade:
this as to do
with various mass media efforts ranging from news reporting, editorial writing,
opinion and other articles use to sensitize the public.
Global
Terrorism: These
are group of people that believe in violence way of achieving a particular
goal. Such as the Al-qida , Boko- haram and many more.
