International Terrorism & Media Expert: Richard Eisendorf
Interviewed on CNN – Available for Comment

Washington, DC: Oct. 4 –The director of the Democracy Council’s Media & International Peacebuilding, Richard Eisendorf, was recently interviewed on CNN International on the role and impact of graphic media coverage of terrorist incidents.  Recent television coverage of beheadings in the Middle East has heightened attention on the nature of responsible reporting by media outlets.

“News organizations should think twice before simply broadcasting terrorist propaganda or sensational images of beheadings or hostages pleading for their lives,” says Eisendorf. 

“We all know the axiom, ‘if it bleeds it leads.’ ”  “Such knee-jerk reporting, can reward the terrorists without providing additional insight or information useful to the general public,” said Eisendorf.  The journalism community “needs to reevaluate the trend of rushing to broadcast without considering the impact and value of each report.  New standards and ethical guidelines need to be instituted in light of the new developments in 24-hour news coverage,” continued Eisendorf.

Richard Eisendorf, Vice President for Media & Peacebuilding for the Democracy Council, is an expert on the role of the local and international media in the Middle East.    His articles appear regularly in U.S., Middle East and international press.  He is also President of International Media, Development, Peacebuilding Consulting in Washington, D.C.