Phil Taylor's papers
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BACK TO : PROPAGANDA AND THE GLOBAL 'WAR' ON TERROR (GWOT) Years 1 and 2, ie 9/11-2003
US attempts to shore up support for war by Claire Cozens 
US attempts to shore up support for war Claire Cozens The Guardian, Tuesday October 30, 2001 The US is to marshal the efforts of the advertising world to help sell the bombing of Afghanistan to the American public. Michael Sennott, a key figure in US advertising until his retirement earlier his year, will head a new government-led crisis-response team. The Coalition against Terrorism will be in charge of shoring up public support for the war as it becomes clear that it could last longer than previously anticipated. The team is being set up with the Advertising Council in New York, an independent organisation created after the attack on Pearl Harbour to rally public support for the US war effort. The council is responsible for all of America's public-service announcements - extended commercials that broadcasters run free of charge - from anti-drink driving to road safety. It has already put together several advertising campaigns since the terrorist attacks of September 11, including one that showed a view of the Manhattan skyline with the twin towers replaced by the words, "Hate has taken enough from us already. Don't let it take you". But critics believe the council's response to the crisis has been slow and fragmented, and that it has been too keen to take orders from the White House rather than developing its own strategy. The new team will create campaigns "to inform, involve and inspire" Americans' support for the fight against terrorism, said Mr Sennott. The British government is also having to shore up waning public support for the bombing campaign in Afghanistan. In a speech today, Tony Blair urged the British people not to forget the sight of the planes flying into the World Trade Centre and the "gloating menace" of Osama bin Laden. |