Abstract

This study aims at examining the role of terrorism-related TV news content in cultivating terrorism risk perceptions among Egyptians in the aftermath of the June 30, 2013 events. The study also attempts to explore in-depth how and why terrorism threat perceptions correlate with the Egyptian people’s tolerance for more restrictive government measures regarding privacy and security. Previous studies found that heavy exposure to terrorism-related news can breed threat perception and fear of victimization. Further, citizens who feel under threat tend to be more willing to trade off their civil liberties. In this sense, the theoretical framework of this study is the Cultivation theory. The researcher employed the qualitative research method, involving twenty in-depth interviews conducted with expert and non-expert participants. According to the findings of this study, most of the research participants are light viewers who are affected by terrorism. The study also found that most research participants trust the official statements regarding the level of terrorism and the endorsed security-oriented measures. Based on this, participants expressed their willingness to compromise their civil liberties under the threat of terrorism.

Department

Journalism & Mass Communication Department

Degree Name

MA in Journalism & Mass Communication

Graduation Date

2-1-2016

Submission Date

January 2017

First Advisor

Ismail, Amani

Committee Member 1

Hodgkins, Allison

Committee Member 2

Bali, Maha

Extent

114 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy. The author has granted the American University in Cairo or its agents a non-exclusive license to archive this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study, and to make it accessible, in whole or in part, in all forms of media, now or hereafter known.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

Comments

My profound gratitude goes to my beloved family, my dear mother Mrs. Maha Elshewy, and my precious father Major General Gamal Salem for providing me with care and inspiration. Your countless contributions and support throughout my life is what brought me to where I am today. No matter what I say, it will never express my love and gratitude to you. Your sacrifices are countless. You always had faith in me which encouraged me to accomplish my thesis. I will never forget the endless nights you stayed awake to lessen my stress. I would not have done it without your love and support. I deeply thank my darling sisters Mrs. Sara Salem and Ms. Merna Salem for their continuous support and sacrifices. You have always had faith in my work and motivated me to do better in all aspects.

Download

Share

COinS