The Diplomatic Dimension of News

Abstract

The news media have a special role in creating and maintaining a nation. Journalists have astounding power to construct a sense of reality for people, but despite the transnational reach of news today, the bulk of editors, producers, and reporters select and construct media messages and images to cater to their targeted audiences. Much of the U.S. news about Afghanistan has been constructed for Americans and therefore is colored by the U.S.-led war and abides by a norm that explains the contours of American power and its impact abroad. To Afghan consumers, what frustrates them about U.S. news of their country is what frustrates them about America: It should consider their perspective more, be more empathetic, give them hope, and stop serving itself. News, therefore, does not bridge understanding or broker goodwill between the United States and Afghanistan, or any other country, and it can create tension in international affairs.