Polish Academic Experts on Terrorism and Their Media Presence: Sample Analysis

Abstract

This article focuses on the relationship between experts with academic background who are knowledgeable on aspects related to terrorism and their media presence. It is widely assumed that the knowledge and insights that academics bring to the public opinion are worth exploring, hence as no surprise comes the fact that journalists often use them. In addition, they have nowadays access to modern, online communication channels that make it possible for them to present their perspective to the public without the need to rely solely on the traditional media. During the qualitative research based on review of online materials and expert interviews backed up by literature review it became evident that experts often face challenges when it comes to present their view in traditional media. It is due to the time limitations and the need to overcome either lack of knowledge or existing stereotypes within their interlocutors. However, the possibility of using independent communication channels like social media and other ways of promoting one’s point of view (blogs, websites, video-blogs) is still underused.