Alternative Media

Alternative Media

With so many things going on in the world today it is hard to keep track of everything that is going on. It is safe to say that the majority of people today get their news and information of events from the mainstream media that is so readily available by turning on the television, reading the newspaper, or even opening the CNN application on ones smart phone. Not just news about sports and the weather, but also news about terrorism because that is what has made headlines in the media in this modern day and what has surged through the entertainment industry. Of course, not everything is reported by the mainstream media, especially when it comes to terrorism. Primarily because most terrorist events are gruesome in nature and censorship prohibits some pictures and information to be released. But there is also the case that some terrorism is the same old thing over and over. Stories become dull and stop grabbing the publics attention. Thus, bringing forth alternative media.

Mainstream media is media that is largely disseminated and represents what the majority of media consumers are likely to encounter. Whereas, alternative media is the media that offers a differing opinion, a look from a different view and challenges what is largely disseminated (Fernandez, 2010). With that in mind, alternative media consists of the internet, Arab media, social media and even the entertainment industry. All these alternative media sources offer information and a view of terrorism that is separate from that of the mainstream media.

Internet media and social media border on the same line of each other. With less censorship on the Internet, more opinions, whether accurate or not, can be expressed along with more graphic imagery and anyone can access the Internet. In some instances, the Internet even offers more information than mainstream media itself. Just by simply accessing the web an individual can find information about terrorists, either supporting or opposing from outside sources or even terrorists themselves. "The Internet is a powerful tool for terrorists, who use online message boards and chat rooms to share information, coordinate attacks, spread propaganda, raise funds, and recruit" (Kaplan, 2009). Social media on the Internet allows individuals to freely express their opinions and offer their own side on matters that can be debated among others just as the Internet can. "Social media offers the possibility of reaching a wide audience in all parts of the world, and of networking and establishing contacts" (Rothenberger, 2012).While mainstream media focuses on proven facts and credible sources the alternative media of the Internet and social media allow people other than reporters to comment, post and offer information and opinions not available by mainstream media.

Arab media offers another view completely. "Arabs