Framing Discourses on Islam and Terrorism The 2015 Brussels Attacks as Reported by Spanish National Newspapers

Inés BOLAŇOS-SOMOANO

Master's thesis

REPRESENTING ISLAM AND VIOLENCE A CRITICAL STUDY OF THE REPORT OF ISLAMIC TERRORISM IN SPANISH BROADSHEETS

Abstract:

This research focuses on three main aspects of the study of terrorism reports in newspapers. First, the big role that anti-Muslim prejudice still plays in European politics, society and economy. Second, the importance that terrorist attacks have in terms of threat assessment and security policy making. And third, that terrorism is not only a shocking event in and of itself, but that media reporting can have a great impact in individual perceptions of fear and understanding of the situation, as well as endorsing closed views of Islam and Muslims. These aspects will be studied in the concrete context of three main Spanish broadsheet publications covering the 2016 attacks in Brussels.

Abstract:

This research focuses on three main aspects of the study of terrorism reports in newspapers. First, the big role that anti-Muslim prejudice still plays in European politics, society and economy. Second, the importance that terrorist attacks have in terms of threat assessment and security policy making. And third, that terrorism is not only a shocking event in and of itself, but that media reporting can have a great impact in individual perceptions of fear and understanding of the situation, as well as endorsing closed views of Islam and Muslims. These aspects will be studied in the concrete context of three main Spanish broadsheet publications covering the 2016 attacks in Brussels.

Keywords

Terrorism, Media, Spain, Islam, Mixed Methods.

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 16. 8. 2017

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Martin Elbel, M.A., Ph.D.

PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY OLOMOUC

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Human Studies / Euroculture