Climate of Fear: The Chilling Effects of Surveillance on Journalism

• In Event: ICA Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Journalism Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Surveillance and ‘sousveillance’ by the media in Western democracies tend towards a form of relative equilibrium based on a form of action-reaction ‘game’ between States and media professionals: journalists and the platforms they use for communication with each other and with confidential sources counter attempts at surveillance by state entities, through both technology and political action. Historically, in mature democracies of Western societies, there is an institutional system of checks and balances, on the basis that journalism’s core raison d’etre is to hold power accountable. However, in recent years, in the context of a resurgent terrorism threat, Western democratic states are intensifying efforts to pass more all-encompassing surveillance frameworks. This paper will discuss the degree to which surveillance tactics impact on journalists’ priorities in fulfilling their watchdog role in particular through the emergence of a surveillance-induced fear factor resulting in a chilling effect for journalists and confidential sources alike.

Author

• Anthony Mills, U of Vienna