A New Era of Terrorism: As a Journalist Apologizes, Is the Media Contributing?

On March 15, 2019, following the mosque shooting terrorism in Christchurch, Gower, traveled from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, to the scene of the crime. 

By evening, Gower was onsite, reporting in front of the mosque and engaging in extensive interviews with the Muslim community. In August 2021, he released a documentary titled ON HATE.

Last Part

Read Part 1: A New Era of Terrorism: Comparing Media Responses in Tarrant and Yamagami

This one-hour program delved into the experiences of seven families of victims and survivors of the incident. It included a poignant scene where Gower confronted his own role in potentially fueling such ideologies.

A year before the Christchurch attack, two notable Canadian white supremacists, including Stefan Molyneux, planned a lecture in New Zealand. Intense protests led to its cancellation. Nevertheless, Gower interviewed them, critiquing their views. This coverage inadvertently provided a platform for Molyneux's views.

The assailant, Brenton Tarrant, now 33, had inherited a substantial sum. His late father had developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure and won a settlement. Tarrant often allocated these funds to support white supremacist and anti-immigration groups and individuals, including Molyneux.

"I was wrong. I must acknowledge that," Gower admitted in the documentary.

Furthermore, Gower was a national correspondent for New Zealand's news service Newshub, and a well-recognized journalist in the country. Therefore, his acknowledgment of his reporting missteps and their potential consequences left many in shock.

Not Appropriate Film Material

In the United States, there were plans to turn the Christchurch incident into a film. Gower obtained and revealed the draft screenplay, which vividly depicted the shooting. Considering the feelings of the victims, he called for the production to be halted.

"The most important aspect of reporting is the victims. It is essential to convey their feelings. 

Second, it is crucial to investigate the causes to prevent similar crimes. Finally, the media must ensure they do not become a platform that endorses the perpetrator or their ideology."

Journalism's Responsibility

The title of the manifesto that Tarrant published online before committing the attack, "The Great Replacement," is a term frequently used by white supremacists. It refers to the supposed exploitation or replacement of white populations and cultures by non-white immigrants. 

Tarrant was influenced by Anders Breivik, now 45, who killed 77 people in Norway in 2011. About a month after Tarrant's crime, a teenage white male, inspired by Tarrant's manifesto, attacked a Jewish worship facility in California.

Faced with the worst hate crime in New Zealand's history, local media understood their coverage could link acts of terrorism and inspire future terrorists. Therefore, they made a conscious effort to report in a way that would not contribute to this cycle.

Contrast With Japan

In contrast, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was killed by an assassin's bullet in July 2022. Since then, the motives of the arrested suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, now 43, have been scrutinized daily in Japan. This intense scrutiny has also given the perpetrator a platform and turned the incident into a major political issue.

It is common for the media to become intensely focused on major events, as seen in Japan. However, Gower points out that the New Zealand media were able to act with restraint thanks to the understanding and support of the public.

"There is freedom of speech, and there were conflicts between the government and the media. But every New Zealander faced this incident and asked how it could have been avoided. I believe that's why we were able to respond the way we did." 

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(Read the report in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun