Prime time hostages: A case study of coverage during captivity

Media coverage of the hijacking and diversion of to Beirut of TWA Flight 847 on 14 June 1985 by members of the Shi'ite Muslim Islamic Jihad was characterized by several unique aspects. For the first time during reporting of such an event, the hostages, their captors, and Middle Eastern political leaders were interviewed live on American television. The media were drawn directly into the negotiations to free the hostages when the hijackers and Amal mediators delivered a letter from the captives to President Reagan via the crew of reporters at Beirut Airport. The hijackers’ awareness of the importance of news coverage was indicated by their continuing use of the media to communicate their political views and demands to government officials and the public. This paper traces the efforts of the hijackers to make use of the media and details the coverage of the event by the three major U.S. networks and other major news organizations from the beginning of the crisis until the release of the hostages on 30 June.