Alexis Steelman

COM 220-1

Professor Kulchynska

November 28, 2023

The September 11th Terrorist Attacks and Their Relationship with the Media

Literature Review:

Methods: *what methods we used to gain information, analysis, theories etc., basically HOW we

got the information, NOT what we did to find it

**Abstract:**

This case study delves into the intricate relationship between the September 11th, 2001 terrorist

attacks and the media. The tragic events of that day not only reshaped the course of history but

also highlighted the significant role of the media in shaping public perception, disseminating

information, and influencing policy decisions. This study examines the media's immediate

response, its coverage in the aftermath, and the long-term impact on journalism, politics, and

society.

**1. Introduction:**

The events of September 11th, 2001, marked a pivotal moment in modern history. The

coordinated terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon sent shockwaves

globally, prompting an unprecedented media response. This section provides an overview of the
attacks, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the media's role in shaping narratives,

disseminating information, and influencing public opinion.

**2. Media Response on 9/11:**

On the morning of September 11th, media outlets played a crucial role in informing the public

about the unfolding events. This section explores how news organizations responded to the

attacks in real-time, the challenges they faced in reporting accurately, and the impact of their

coverage on public perception and government response. It also examines the role of citizen

journalism in providing firsthand accounts through various media channels.

**3. Framing the Narrative:**

The media's framing of the 9/11 attacks played a pivotal role in shaping public understanding and

government responses. This section analyzes how different media outlets framed the events,

highlighting narratives of heroism, resilience, and the search for justice. It also explores the

emergence of narratives that fueled fear, prejudice, and the subsequent "war on terror" rhetoric.

**4. Long-Term Media Impact:**

The aftermath of 9/11 brought significant changes to the media landscape. This section examines

the long-term impact of the attacks on journalism, including the rise of embedded reporting

during military conflicts, increased government surveillance, and the evolving role of

investigative journalism in holding power to account. It also explores the ethical challenges faced

by the media in balancing national security concerns with the public's right to know.
**5. Political and Policy Influences:**

The media's coverage of 9/11 had far-reaching implications for political decisions and policy

formulation. This section investigates how media narratives influenced public opinion, shaped

political discourse, and contributed to the formulation of policies such as the USA PATRIOT Act.

It also examines the role of media in justifying military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

**6. Societal Impact and Reflections:**

The events of 9/11 and the subsequent media coverage had a profound impact on society. This

section explores how the trauma of the attacks and the continuous media scrutiny influenced

public attitudes, perceptions of security, and societal divisions. It also reflects on the evolving

role of media in the post-9/11 era and the ongoing challenges of balancing national security and

journalistic integrity.

**Conclusion:**

The September 11th terrorist attacks marked a turning point in history, and the media played a

central role in shaping the narrative, influencing public perception, and impacting policy

decisions. This case study provides a comprehensive analysis of the media's response on 9/11,

the framing of narratives, long-term impacts on journalism, political influences, and societal

reflections. Understanding this complex relationship is essential for navigating the intersection of

media, terrorism, and society in the contemporary world.