PressEthic

Did I get your attention?

The World Wide Web is an essential tool for job seekers. But who would’ve thought to look for a job in video production with Al-Qaeda? Apparently the terrorist group has posted job advertisements on the Internet for those “supporters to help put together its Web statements and video montages” http://uk.news.yahoo.com/06102005/80/al-qaeda-puts-job-ads-internet-arab-paper.html.

Reuters uncovered this story from an Arabic language newspaper. While this is an obviously intriguing story, does such a piece border on PR for terrorism? Most readers will find the recent revelation another disappointment in the continuing fight against Osama Bin Laden, but there are those few that seek solidarity with his cause.

Granted, the article could not state how applicants could reach the Al-Qaeda linked web based organization. But I would argue that an article like this creates more traffic on Al-Qaeda sites. Not necessarily from job hunters, but those who are curious, nonetheless. I am not arguing curtailing such types of news, because we, the public, have the right to be informed. However, anyone who has been half awake during the past four years can come to the conclusion that Al-Qaeda recruits anyone who is willing to help them. Such news raises the question of quality journalism; journalism that in fact, informs society with information to make better decisions.