Media bias and the role of internet-user-generated content in crisis management: A case-study about the communication of the Hungarian police force after the 2016 Budapest explosion

Abstract

The 2016 Budapest explosion occurred on September 24, 2016 when a young man detonated a nail bomb in an attempt to kill two patrolling police officers. This case-study analyses the official communication of the Hungarian police force, focusing on the time that elapsed until their first official reaction. I argue that the first twenty-four hours after the explosion were the most crucial, and that working with speed and efficiency is important. I claim that a successful crisis management process takes not only the bias of mass media into consideration, but also the influence of internet-user-generated content and conspiracy theories as well. The publication of a holding statement, designed to help control the message the public will hear immediately following an incident, is also essential.