Pitfalls to countering disinformation: Analyzing local newspaper response to the ‘Syrian refugee rape case’ in Twin Falls, Idaho

Abstract

ABSTRACT The paper examines the local newspaper’s response to the “Syrian refugee rape case” disinformation campaign in Twin Falls, Idaho, 2016. Drawing upon the pervasive climate of fear surrounding Syrian refugees that followed the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, the disinformation campaign targeted refugee resettlement efforts in the city. The study employs a critical thematic analysis of prominent journalistic techniques deployed by the paper and the themes used to depict refugees in the news texts. The analysis identifies dominant patterns in the news articles and reveals how these strands drew upon deep-rooted cultural discourses and news coverage routines. The study suggests steps that can be incorporated by local journalists while responding to disinformation. Findings from the study can be applied to other media formats and will play an important role in countering disinformation about refugees.