Media selectivity and the other side of the CNN effect: the consequences of not paying attention to conflict

Most of the world’s conflicts take place largely unreported by the media, and the deadliest conflicts are among those ignored. If we assume that the media do have the power to influence policy responses to conflict, it follows that, by ignoring conflict, the media contribute to the lack of policy response. This article suggests that a major consequence of this effect is unchecked conflict-related death tolls (mostly indirect deaths caused by sickness and starvation) since little progress is made in achieving conflict resolution, the waging of the conflict is unrestrained, and relatively little humanitarian aid is forthcoming. With so few chosen conflicts and so many ‘off the radar’ stealth conflicts, the stakes of such media choices are high. This article focuses on this other side of the CNN effect, examining just how selectively and disproportionately the media cover conflict, and on the consequences of the lack of attention.