Broadcast News Diffusion in Crisis-Ridden Democracies

Abstract

Having covered many national crises in the past, Israel’s media structure appeared well suited to deal with the assassination of Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin. This study examines the social functions fulfilled by Israel’s broadcast media following the assassination. Three roles played by the media were examined. Drawing on survey data, television and radio were found to be important initial sources about the news of the assassination, and television was important for following subsequent events. They contributed to reintegrating the nation in the period afterwards. However, continuous coverage traumatized the population.