Countering radicalisation through media

By Fizza Mumtaz
Published: March 17, 2018

In the face of mounting radicalisation and terrorism in Pakistan and beyond, the media along with
the military and the government can effectively indoctrinate de-radicalisation among the masses.

The famous “CNN effect” explains the significance of the media’s influence on a state’s policies
particularly in conflict prevention and egalitarian interventions. As Colin Powell once observed,
“Live television coverage doesn’t change the policy, but it does create the environment in which
the policy is made. The media therefore can play a pivotal role in the process of de-radicalisation
by broadcasting positive notions as news help build the perception of viewers.

The radicalisation of educated youth is just one click away

Americans, according to Noam Chomsky, have split the world between ‘them’ and ‘us’; “once
‘they’ were Communists, these days ‘they’ are Islamic fundamentalists”, a radical activity by an
American is strategically termed a mass shooting, gang violence, a lone shooter, etc, but any
radical activity by a Muslim is simply termed a terrorist activity. Due to this narrative not only
indigenous American Muslims but Muslims throughout the world are facing racism, hatred and
even violence. So, it is the media’s responsibility to develop a counter-narrative that terrorism has
no faith, religion or boundaries, tagging it with religion can only worsen the situation by making
war on terror inevitable.

The work of media acts as a foundation for political awareness: a journalist being true to his or her
profession can hold public servants accountable for their actions by compelling them to remain
honest with the authorities. But nothing is worse than politicised journalism as Edward Bulwer-
Lytton said: “The pen is mightier than the sword”. Sometimes ignorance serves as a useful policy
to discourage radical activity. For instance, the protest in Faizabad was avoidable. There are proper
ways and designated places to record a protest and the media via its coverage actually ended up
indirectly sponsoring such activities. Waiting for the ripe moment to broadcast news is pivotal. A
chaotic situation emerged only after live coverage was given to the Lal Masjid affair. Almost every
news channel was airing news prematurely and helping spread disorientation and misperception
about the situation. Similarly, the insurgency in Swat was sparked by a radio programme that
radicalised the common citizen there. If anything this shows how impactful the media is in
radicalising the masses and conversely de-radicalising them. Therefore, the state’s established
media protocol needs enforcement, particularly, constant monitoring of mass media activities and
prohibition of live media coverage from crime scenes to avoid unnecessary perplexity, for the sake
of security at the domestic level.
In today’s world the media is a “mirror of society” as it defines the cultural and normative
dynamics, this medium leaves a lasting impact on the intellect of viewers to think and rethink
about the issues being showcased and society eventually reflects on them. We can see the trends of
our entertainment/morning shows; we have wholeheartedly endorsed Hindu customs while living
together for decades and are now confusing customs with culture. As Stephen M Croucher in the
article “Religion, culture, and communication” explains, religion is the essential layer of culture,
and Pakistan’s media devotedly reflect on religion just in the month of Ramazan, whereas the true
teachings of Islam needs to be observed throughout the year in order to discourage the culture of
violence.

As the media plays a vital role in defining societal norms, therefore, entertainment media should
display morally and ethically correct notions that inculcate moderation, respect, discipline,
tolerance and discourage extremism, bigotry, racism, and impatience. To induce respectful values
in society, it is crucial to discourage women’s characterisation and objectification in mass media
and also young girls should be treated like children, not as a source of amusement. Online shaming
and cybercrimes are another form of violence that require attention. Nighat Dad’s Digital Rights
Foundation is working for digital rights and freedom of expression, however, awareness about
cyber rights and responsibilities at the state level is vital to make technology safer.

Albert Einstein said: “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”

I believe it’s about time the media seriously followed the state’s established protocol, bills, and
preventive measures, as the National Action Plan (NAP) emphasised the positive role of media and
literature in promoting an enlightened approach. However, only the media can make itself
accountable, broadcasting the ramification of sharing ill-facts, fake news, and tailor-made
information is essential for the awareness of the soft power media possesses and the magnitude of
its mistakes being a source of unintentional radicalisation. Pakistan is a culturally diverse and
territorially mesmerising place that needs projection, so we need to establish our own identity by
rejecting the lead of foreign media.

National narrative on extremism finalised

It is true that freedom of speech is the backbone of democracy, thus the president of Pakistan wants
the media to highlight government initiatives and development projects to spread hope and
encourage optimism among the masses. It is undeniable that the media is a massive and rapid
source of education as it spreads to the length and breadth of the state mostly in the form of
television, radio, newspaper and magazines. The masses tend to rely on media documentaries and
films, thus placing a great responsibility upon the media for conveying well-researched and
unbiased dimensions of any subject.
Therefore, with such wide access and influence, the media is uniquely placed to promote tolerance,
acceptance and an all-inclusive approach for peaceful societies. Also, there is an urgent need to
abolish the superfluous divide between gender, caste and creed and most importantly between the
government and the nation. Pakistan is full of talent and just a little push along the right path can
bring robust and progressive changes. Through constructive criticism, critical thinking and a
people-centric approach, the media can guarantee such a change.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17 th, 2018.