Tulloch, John (2005) Normalising the unthinkable: the British press, torture and the human rights of terror suspects. Ethical Space: the International Journal of Communication Ethics, 2 (4). pp. 25-32. ISSN 1742-0105

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Abstract

This paper explores contemporary media coverage of torture by examining in detail the editorial positions taken on the issue of “extraordinary rendition” by UK national daily and weekly newspapers during December 2005. It explores the historic origins of the myths dominating mainstream media coverage of torture drawing on comparisons with UK press coverage of brutality by British forces in previous emergencies, including conflicts in Kenya and Northern Ireland. In addition, it discusses the extent to which the contemplation of the use of torture in anti-terrorism strategies has been normalised in the process of media debate. In conclusion, the 2005 “rendition” controversy suggests that dominant myths surrounding British uses of torture are “alive and well”.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This paper explores contemporary media coverage of torture by examining in detail the editorial positions taken on the issue of “extraordinary rendition” by UK national daily and weekly newspapers during December 2005. It explores the historic origins of the myths dominating mainstream media coverage of torture drawing on comparisons with UK press coverage of brutality by British forces in previous emergencies, including conflicts in Kenya and Northern Ireland. In addition, it discusses the extent to which the contemplation of the use of torture in anti-terrorism strategies has been normalised in the process of media debate. In conclusion, the 2005 “rendition” controversy suggests that dominant myths surrounding British uses of torture are “alive and well”.
Keywords:	Torture, Journalism, Media
Subjects:	P Mass Communications and Documentation > P500 Journalism
Divisions:	College of Arts > Faculty of Media, Humanities & Performance > Lincoln School of Journalism
Depositing User:	Bev Jones
Date Deposited:	07 Sep 2007
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2013 08:25
URI:	http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/id/eprint/1135

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