Abstract:
The media is a powerful institution that shapes public perception, especially during crises such as
terror attacks. This research presents an in-depth comparative analysis of the media coverage of the
2025 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, examining the narratives, editorial framing, and
reporting styles of Indian national media versus international outlets. Employing qualitative content
analysis over a two-week period following the incident, the study dissects coverage based on focus,
duration, tone, visual value, treatment, and dominant narratives. The analysis reveals stark contrasts
in approach: while Indian media emphasized patriotic narratives and emotional appeals with
continuous live coverage, international media tended to adopt distant, analytical tones often framed
within geopolitical discourse. The paper interrogates the ethical implications of media coverage in
conflict zones and explores how national interest, editorial bias, and digital dissemination influence
journalistic practice. The study contributes to broader discussions on media ethics, information
integrity, and the global-local divide in conflict journalism.
