Media Framing of Terrorism: Implications for Public Opinion, Civil Liberties, and Counterterrorism Policies

Abstract

This study presents experimental findings on the impact of media framing of the 2005 London bombings. A total of 371 American participants were exposed to one of two frames to test their effect on public attitudes towards civil liberties and Muslims, and support for counterterrorism policies. Results show that the “domestic homegrown” frame produces greater increases in fear than the “international” frame. This leads to greater support for restricting civil liberties of Muslims and, under certain circumstances, general feelings of negativity toward Muslims. The study also finds support for the hydraulic effect of framing in that the domestic homegrown frame suppresses party identification in attitude formation.

Keywords:

• Media Framing
• Civil Liberties
• Terrorism
• Public Opinion
• Political Attitude Formation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary E. Brinson

Mary E. Brinson is at University of San Diego

Michael Stohl

Michael Stohl is at University of California, Santa Barbara