Think back to the Mumbai terrorist attack of November 2008; the images splashed across the Internet, the first-hand accounts of Aussie expats and the Twitter updates that impacted our work day. We watched the whole thing unfold on our desktops, and when desired, our mobile phones. There was no need to so much as get up and switch on a TV.
The onslaught of digital news begs the question, are we sanitised to the images of war and terrorism due to the over-exposure new media allows?
More importantly, has the role of citizen journalist, born from the accessibility of social media, made the role of ‘traditional’ journalist near redundant in the online world? The standing of journalism in the online world impacts the relationship between public relations professional and journalist. As the role of media changes through digital mediums, information can no longer be owned or be relied on to derive to client key messages advocated through mass media outlets. Online news is immediate, complicated and near impossible to control.
In stark comparison to Mumbai, during the 9-11 terrorist attack, coverage was streamed through mass media outlets, dominated by 24/7 TV footage. CNN anchors deciphered the news agenda and packaged the global impact of the terrorist attack on the international community in convenient 30 minute news bulletins.
The increased role of digital media in news consumption has had a direct impact on the perceived transparency of war. The Gulf War of the early 1990s is a case in point; with the ground deemed ‘too dangerous’ for the embedded journalist, news operators were provided with government footage and fed information via press conferences.
However fast forward 20 years and the reality couldn’t be very different. Late last month when Israeli special forces stormed a flotilla of six ships carrying aid for the blockaded Gaza killing nine Turks on board, international condemnation was sparked and various global protests organised immediately after.
Heralded as the Fourth Estate and sworn to uphold the ideal of impartiality, it will be interesting to see how the journalist function, and the relationship with the PR profession will continue as digital mediums impact news delivery. Kate xo
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