Let’s not romanticize censorship

I sincerely don’t understand why we are debating whether acts of terrorism should be given coverage by news organisations or not, primarily because we live in the so called information age. In this instance, the conversation should be in the lines of: why must acts of terror be given coverage by news organisations?

The justifications of why terrorism acts should be given coverage are endless but considering the airtime given, I will try to condense every significant fact available.

Turn off your lights, and switch them on again. I know that atmosphere – darkness. That is what will happen if news organisations decide not to report on terrorism. Society and the international community will be denied a significant right to satisfy their curiosity. As a counter argument one might say but there is social media. But social media is a breeding ground for hoax information hence it is vital to have a professional media that is credible in the dissemination of information.

There is this view (Utilitarian), which advocates for the distribution of news regardless of the agony which is brought about by the same acts of terrorism. The core point is the fact that society need to know about such news in order to make informed decisions concerning terrorism. By covering such news, the media contributes in educating society.

The education provided is broad, it includes how to conduct oneself in hostage situations and after an attack. Such stunts were met with heavy scepticism after the Paris and Brussels attacks but that’s an issue for another day.

After acts of terrorism, it is likely that a state of emergency may be implemented. Meaning people may have to stay indoors and those who wish to travel to that city from abroad and out of that city cannot do so because of security concerns. Without the surveillant eye of the media all that will be a strenuous exercise. Such was explicitly demonstrated after the deadly Paris and Brussels attacks.

“Acts of terrorism must not be given coverage by news organisations.” Negative and incorrect construction. How about: Acts of terrorism should be given coverage by the media – well that’s a no brainer really.