Media Coverage of National Security

In order to most effectively research and blog about the large amount of information that is available concerning national security, our blog was divided into three subtopics: illegal immigration, border control, and airport security.  Beyond that, we also wrote each series of posts concentrating on a mass medium that we had choose to highlight for that week (including television, magazines, newspapers, and the internet).  Through our research not only were we able to gain a firmer grasp on the details of our specific topic, but we also discovered how the media tends to relay this information.

Regarding illegal immigration, our group found that most media sources highlighted the issue in a negative light.  Some of the media sources were more concentrated on forming an entertaining story around the issue rather than equally presenting both sides of the issue; this tendency links directly with the mass media trend that states that we are undergoing a change in our conception of news.  We expect the turn on the television or flip to a page in the newspaper and see a story about some outrageous, new way someone tried to get into the country.  It seems that we as an entertainment obsessed community no longer expect to see or want to see a presentation of just plain facts.

Not only did our research on illegal immigration provide an example of changing conception of news, but it also representing a form of demassification and new conceptions of community.  We found that in areas where there are high amounts of immigrants (legal or illegal), they often have a little bit of their own sub-culture.  As far a demassification, companies have started recognizing the wants and needs of these immigrants and therefore have started publishing magazines and other entertainment, specifically produced for immigrants.

Regarding border control, it also highlighted some of the mass media trends that we had studied.  Not only do mass media reports about border control add to our knowledge about globalization, but it also spurs a lot of political controversy.  Media reports on border control contribute to globalization because often they focus not only on our border security, but other countries’ border securities as well.  This is globalizing the world as we know it because we are now constantly being informed of what not only what is going on in our country, but how other countries are dealing with the same issues.  In addition to globalization, border control obviously was a huge source of political controversy (especially in the two most recent presidential elections); the mass media has provided us ways not only to stay informed about the issue, but to also voice our opinions through interacting with the media through things like online surveys or polls (this highlights another mass media trend- interactivity).

Finally, our group researched the mass media’s portrayal of  airport security.  After reflecting on our research we all came  to a somewhat similar conclusion; although airport security  is sometimes a bit of a pain, it is a small price to pay for the  protection of our country.  We also found that most mass  media forms put a negative light on this issue as well.  A lot  of the news seems to be about what an inconvenience airport  security is, as opposed to the positive benefits it brings.

After reflecting back on our blog and research, we were able to clearly see of the mass media trends present in the reports around our topics.  It was interesting and rewarding to see that some of these trends really do describe the changes through which our mass media is currently going.

The internet played a crucial role in the 2008 Presidential election; not only do some scholars argue that it won the election for Barack Obama, but is also kept the modern citizen informed about the issues.  As far as the internet winning the election for Obama, Mitch Wagner from Information Week argues that through the use of cutting-edge technology Obama was able to build “the biggest network of supporters we’ve seen”.  Wagner also asserted that “he (Obama) asked supporters to supply their cell phone numbers, and sent out regular text message blasts, even announcing his selection for vice president over text message.  Using a custom social networking site, created with the help of a Facebook co-founder, Obama supporters were able to log in and find lists of people they could call, or whose doors they could knock on, to try to persuade others to vote for their candidate”.

After Obama’s presidential victory, it was clear that all of his efforts to use various forms of social media had been extremely effective.

Another role of the internet in the election was as a source of information concerning various candidates stances on issues.  Obama’s stance on immigration and other important issues were not only showcased in written form on the Internet, but new technology allowed Obama to link his website to videos on YouTube and picture on Flickr, as wellas access to his Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

Through the use of the internet, Obama was able to promote his plan for illegal immigration:

1. Providing illegal aliens a “path to citizenship” that they must earn

2.  Increasing levels of legal immigrants

3.  Preserving the integrity of U.S. borders

4. Cracking down on those who hire illegal immigrants

This increased publicity and availability of Obama’s opinions on illegal immigration have deeply sparked the controversy of illegal immigrants and their impact on national security.  While some support Obama in his plan forimmigration, others contend that “Obama and his allies will aggressively pursue their long-term goal: undoing America’s ability to control its borders”.

As I was searching though various airport websites, I came across a Facebook link on the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s site.  The airport had made a fan site on Facebook where anyone who becomes a fan is able to comment on posts and give helpful feedback.  Considering how big the Atlanta airport is I was surprise when I noticed it only had 2, 149 fans…I expected much more.  On this fan site, the airport posted topics and news and employment opportunities, security updates, additions, etc… When the “fans” commented on a post, they sometimes inquired about their own flights and the airport would comment back in very personable manner.  Here’s one example of a comment conversation between a the “fans” and the airport:

Post: Thank you for “fanning” Hartsfield-Jackson

(4 poeple “liked” the post)

comments:

Seth: No prob.

Christina: your welcome

Manous: my daughter and son-in-law are flying to ASis there flight has 3 hr layover in Atlanta, Can I go to the concorse to see them?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport: Manous- Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security and on the concourses.  I would suggest they meet you in the Atrium area.  They will have to go back though security but with a 3 hour layover, they will have time to go back through security.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport: Wait time are usually less than 10 minutes.

As you can see, the airport is trying to reach its costumers on a very personal level.  I was very impressed that they managed to respond to each needy costumer and I fell thats a great way to form a better connection with its clientele.

On previous posts, I have made a point to highlight the hassles of new-age security in airports made necessary by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The revamped security measures mean that traveling through the air is no longer an easy task for anyone. One glaring example is the banned items list that people cannot take on board. Ask an average person, and he or she could probably not even come close to naming all of the disallowed things. Thankfully, in the new age of security, the new age of technology can help.

Security heads are finding the Internet an incredibly useful tool when informing air travelers on what to expect. The Transportation Security Administration has created a blog to keep the public fully updated on recent changes in security measures. If a person is ever in doubt of what is or isn’t allowed, these kinds of sites are likely to provide the answers. Having an official site like TSA really helps shore up the information to eliminate any doubt about the airlines’ rules.

A recent example can be found with the launch of Apple Ipads. The TSA blog recently clarified that the devices would not have to be removed from carry-on bags at security checkpoints. This is somewhat of a pleasant surprise because all regular laptops must be removed to be scanned individually. This is even better news for Apple because the product was touted as very travel-friendly. This development further strengthens their marketing claim. We will see if more travelers connect to web for the ever-changing rules for airlines.

As with the other forms of media previously discussed, airport security is portrayed as a necessity but a hassle.  In Time Magazine writers discuss various issues on the subject.

• short term changes in response to security breaches
• inconsistent security procedures in different airports
• complaints on too much inspection, or not enough
• and more…

When a security breach occurs airports respond accordingly by tightening check points or forcing travelers to go though more than one.  The articles in TIME quoted a few travelers to get opinions on their recent aviation experience.  One man explained how he was able to bring an over-sized bottle of liquid through multiple airports without any problem.

Another woman pointed out that she noticed how airports only up their security measures for a short amount of time after a terrorist scare to make the public feel better.  She said,“If I were a terrorist, I wouldn’t plan an attack for the day after someone else’s, because that would be stupid.” And honestly she makes a valid point. Others even argue that a supposed increase in security precautions doesn’t even accomplish much.

The magazine articles I read on the subject were more informative and covered more topics than what I have found in the newspapers or on television.  As explained above, the articles touched on a wide variety of issues and opinions about airpot security.  So far, magazine coverage has been the most interesting and objective on the topic of airport safety.

Not only are newspapers and news programs covering the illegal immigrant debate, but magazines have also participated in that trend.  In particular, the magazine BuisnessWeek called attention to several factors that they claim have made the lives of illegal immigrants easier.  Some of these factors include:

1.  Making calling plans that allow immigrants to call internationally for a very cheap rate

2.  Providing “English-as-a-second-language classes that include instructions for using coupons for products such as Kraft’s Capri Sun drinks in U.S. grocery stores”.

Not only do these factors improve the lives of the illegal immigrants, but they are also of benefit to the large companies that provide them.  For example:

• Kraft food companies (an example of a company who provides immigrants with translations on how to use coupons) monopolizes the illegal immigrant population by providing them only with coupons and instructions that promote their own products.



• 
• Sprint also benefits from offering a cheap international phone plan because through offering these targeted phone plans they receive a large amount of business from legal and illegal immigrants.

Cheap international phone plans and coupon instructions-  so what?!

After having examined specific factors that affect the lives of immigrants, it is important to also look at the larger picture.  It is important to note how these phone plans and coupon instructions could effect national security.  Every amenity that is provided for legal and illegal immigrants is an incentive for more immigrants to flood to the United States.  I believe that if we continue to provide illegal immigrants with incentives, our national security could become threatened  by the increasing number of undocumented people living in this country.

Newspapers and television are not the only media outlets that serve as a watchdog to issues in society. When dealing with airport security, magazines are just as willing to report on deficiencies in the system. It is fairly surprising, considering that magazines are published less frequently, and thus, run the risk of re-reporting old news. However, this extra time can hurt the airports because it allows for more in-depth of analysis.

Airports certainly have it difficult when facing the media. Since 9/11, air travel has become a significantly high risk concerning national security. It is up to the airports to provide maximum and efficient security screening for all passengers. Unfortunately, this means a high likelihood of customer dissatisfaction. This is where the magazines can step in to report on the struggles of common people trying to get through security to board their next flight. An actual security slip means huge amounts of negative coverage by the media.

When scanning through recent magazine articles, the pieces seem to heavily favor the problems faced by regular airline travelers. Though security breaches do appear in the magazines, they are often relegated to the news sections. Because of the publishing delay, readers are more likely to focus on the features instead of the news tidbits. This helps cut the airports some slack when they’re not being hammered for poor customer service. Given their financial woes, airlines are going to have to accept the reality of increased security measures. Let’s face it, for as long as 9/11 is in the history books there will be bulked up security. Airlines need to emphasize making all other aspects of air travel as easy as possible. Maybe then would we see complimenting magazine article.