Sydney Hostage Siege Unfolds Under 21st Century Media Glare
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The hostage siege in Sydney's city centre is taking place under the spotlight of 21st century media as social media and television cameras zoom in on a lone gunman and his possible motives.
The Lindt cafe sits opposite the main newsroom of Australia’s most-watched television channel, Seven Network. Within minutes, the channel was broadcasting live images of hostages standing in the cafe’s windows holding a black flag sometimes used by Islamist militants. The gunman has reportedly attempted to publicize his demands by forcing his captives to speak by phone with broadcasters and send them a video. Police have asked media not to repeat the messages.