The role of the media in shaping the perception of terrorism

Authors

  • Anita Klikovac Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sector for Emergency Management, Belgrade, Serbia Author

Keywords:

media, terrorism, risk society, public opinion, moral panic, culture of fear, security, media reporting

Abstract

The paper analyzes the role of the media in shaping public opinion about terrorism in contemporary society, with a special focus on how media reporting contributes to the construction of risk, fear, and moral panic. Drawing on the theoretical framework of the risk society, based on the works of Ulrich Beck, Anthony Giddens, and Zygmunt Bauman, the paper examines how terrorism, through media representations, is transformed from a security phenomenon into a permanent social problem and a constant threat. Special attention is paid to the analysis of media mechanisms, such as sensationalism, framing, and agenda-setting, through which certain events are selectively highlighted and interpreted, thereby influencing perceptions of insecurity and legitimizing restrictive security policies. The paper also points to the importance of cultivation theory, emphasizing that long-term exposure to violent content contributes to the normalization of fear and a sense of permanent vulnerability. The paper analyzes the role of the media in shaping public opinion about terrorism in contemporary society, with a special focus on how media reporting contributes to the construction of risk, fear, and moral panic. Drawing on the theoretical framework of the risk society, as developed by Ulrich Beck, Anthony Giddens, and Zygmunt Bauman, the paper examines how terrorism, through media representations, is transformed from a security phenomenon into a permanent social problem and a constant threat. Special attention is paid to the analysis of media mechanisms, such as sensationalism, framing, and agenda-setting, through which certain events are selectively highlighted and interpreted, thereby influencing perceptions of insecurity and legitimizing restrictive security policies. The paper also points to the importance of cultivation theory, emphasizing that long-term exposure to violent content contributes to the normalization of fear and a sense of permanent vulnerability.

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References

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Published

22-02-2026

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): Fourth Memorial Scientific and Professional Conference - Modern Integrated Disaster Risk Management

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Anita Klikovac (Author)

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How to Cite

Klikovac, A. (2026). The role of the media in shaping the perception of terrorism. Scientific and Professional Conference ‘‘Predrag Marić‘‘, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, 1(1), 335-350. https://proceedings.fb.bg.ac.rs/index.php/abstracts/article/view/15

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