Silence or Amplification? Dutch Media's Dilemma with the Far-Right

The Dutch media's extensive coverage of the corona hearings in The Hague is questioned, with the author drawing a parallel to the attention given to the far-right. The piece argues that just as one wouldn't discuss a contagious disease, media should cease providing a platform for far-right politicians, as attention only fuels their rise.

Political scientists have called for an end to media exposure for these politicians, suggesting that uncritical or overly positive coverage amplifies their messages. The article criticizes the "red carpet" treatment given to figures like Lidewij de Vos, a nativist politician, calling it a prime example of how not to cover such individuals. While critical framing and context are acknowledged as journalistic duties, the author contends that with the far-right, this amplification effect is particularly dangerous, inadvertently spreading anti-democratic messages.

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Political hate spreads, unlike a virus, through language.

The piece explores the dilemma journalists face: how to report on societal and political events, including controversial figures, without inadvertently promoting their views. The author points to a scientific publication that deemed even critical articles or unflattering comparisons of far-right leaders as "accommodation." This raises the question of whether, if all forms of coverage are seen as amplification, the only remaining option for journalists is to remain silent.

Philosopher and activist Chris Julien is cited as advocating for the complete removal of the far-right from public discourse, suggesting a "social death" for such movements. While this approach might work in personal life, like not inviting a racist uncle to a birthday, the author concludes it's a poor strategy for journalism. The article posits that confronting the issue directly, rather than ignoring it, remains the better journalistic approach, despite the inherent risks of amplification.

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to hunt the far-right out of 'the polis' and no longer talk about it