Media Coverage of Hostage Events

Media Coverage of Hostage Events
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Media Coverage of Hostage Situations
Media coverage of hostage events has different impacts as follows. First, increasing the value of the hostage hence slowing the negotiations. Second, transfer of hostage. Third, confusion. This arises when other copycat events may be created in social media as a result of sharing too much information about and hostage situation (Amiker, 2014). Media coverage of hostage events may consequentially interrupt the negotiation process. However, media interference can also aid the authorities in solving the situation since people on social media may negotiate or talk to the kidnapper in a bid to convince them to consider releasing their hostage (Gurman, 2012).
The amount of information the media should release in the case of hostage situation depends on the following factors; the amount of publicity demanded by the kidnappers, the social standing of the kidnapped individual and the form of the kidnapping. I think the information given by the media in such cases where people’s lives are at stake should be simplified for easy comprehension and avoidance of controversy.
Victims of hostage situations have the right to provide information to the media but should consider which kind of information to give or withhold for purposes of privacy and safety. I think it is necessary for people to give adequate information to attract fruitful responses from the public on social media (Valentini & Kruckeberg, 2016).

In conclusion, it is of the essence to note that media coverage of hostage events has both positive and negative impacts depending on the nature of the particular event. The media should ensure the clarity of information released to the public to avoid endangering people’s lives. Finally, victims should give information that can be used to arrive at viable solutions.
References
Amiker, F. (2014, October 08). Officer takes 3 hostages at apartment complex. News4Jax.com
Gurman, S. (2012, September 26). Use of social media made Pittsburgh hostage situation unique. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Valentini, C., & Kruckeberg, D. (2016). The future role of social media in international crisis communication. The Handbook of International Crisis Communication Research, Wiley Blackwell, Malden, 478-488. (Valentini & Kruckeberg, 2016)