Civil Unrest, Coverage of

Origins

History is rife with examples of civil unrest, moments which necessarily demand the attention of journalists due to the often unexpected and sometimes widespread nature of such events. Civil unrest is an example of a “primary or cardinal news value,” as cultural theorist Stuart Hall and his colleagues assert. Hall et al. point to the news-worthiness of incidents which are dramatic and personalized, have negative consequences, and concern elite individuals or nations. Stories of civil unrest often exemplify these characteristics. Civil unrest is a particular type of “disorder” story—news which threatens the status quo. As sociologist Herbert Gans argued, disorder news typically falls within one of four categories: natural, technological, social, and moral. While the phrase “civil unrest” may be interpreted in a variety of ways, here it is used as a synonym of civil disorder or civil disturbance meant to signify a display of collective discontent by one or more groups. Using this definition, civil unrest may be in the social or moral disorder categories that Gans outlined, though it may be related to natural or technological disorder. Civil unrest may involve violence, but not necessarily. However, news stories which tend to attract most attention from journalists are those of a more extraordinary nature.

Examples of “civil unrest” include, but are not limited to, demonstrations, protests, and riots. The urban riots which broke out across American cities in the late 1960s and the violence which broke out at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago are highly visible examples of civil unrest turned deadly. The outbreak of violence following the 1992 verdict acquitting Los Angeles police officers tried for beating African American motorist Rodney King is another example of civil unrest. Coverage of civil unrest, thus, may dovetail with media coverage of crime or disaster. Coverage of civil unrest also tends to incorporate those entrusted with quieting protests or subduing rioters: law enforcement officials.

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