Terrorism and the Media: A Symbiotic Relationship

Abstract

If the freedom to publish rests, as indeed it must, upon a general public interest expressed in terms of 'need to know', is this not most sensibly limited by that other public interest of denying to those who would damage the common weal the use of this potent, near irresistible force of the media? There is a real competition of interests here which must be resolved on a philosophical plane before the practical issues can be tackled. The terrorist is an urgent suitor; if he cannot get what he wants by seductive means, he will not hesitate to attempt rape. The real problem seems to be uncertainty on the part of the media whether to play coy handmaiden or harlot.