Publication Date
Spring 4-27-2011
School
School of Communication
Major
Communication Studies: Broadcasting
Primary Subject Area
Journalism; Mass Communications
Keywords
CNN Effect, Rwanda, Darfur, Humanitarian Aid, Theory, Communication, COMS, crisis, genocide, Mass Media, politics, political leaders, journalism, journalists, murder
Disciplines
Broadcast and Video Studies | Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication | International and Intercultural Communication | Journalism Studies | Mass Communication | Social Influence and Political Communication
Recommended Citation
Bredeson, Jared R., "The CNN Effect: Mass Media and Humanitarian Aid" (2011). Senior Honors Theses. 235.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/235
Abstract
Mass media have great power and great responsibility. The CNN Effect states that when news media broadcast emotionally driven stories of human crisis, this provokes a major response by domestic audiences and political elites. This power to influence public policy can help save people from danger and even death. Acts of massive genocide were committed in Rwanda and Darfur. Because the media failed to act quickly and report accurately on these situations, many people lost their lives due to slow international reaction. News media need to learn from these tragic mistakes and never let genocide go on unnoticed by those who have the power to stop it.
Included in
Broadcast and Video Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons
