Andrzej Malinowski, Influence of CNN effect on the perception of events in Kosowo and NATO preparations for war with Yugoslavia in 1999
Key words:
the Balkans, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, 1999 USA intervention, CNN
Summary:
The CNN effect is defined as the impact of real-time media on policy and the impact on public opinion in democratic societies. The Kosovo case is very interesting. Between 1995 and 1998 Western media attention on events on the Balkans declined. But after the Drenica massacre on February 28 and March l 1998, when 24 people were killed, media attention began to focus on Kosovo. The article describes how television news can have political impact and great influence on public opinion. It demonstrates CNN effect on foreign policy to be multifaceted, often having a bigger impact on some aspects of policy than the strategic.