(Photo: BBC News)
North Korea, one of the most isolated countries in the world, runs its heavily state-controlled media for the population to absorb. It can easily spread the agenda of the regime through propaganda, and also through biased information. All publications through North Korea state media are widely accepted by the people as true and for their own good.
One example of how North Korea can influence its population is the most recent news on its travel ban on foreigners to participate in the upcoming Pyongyang marathon due to the response of the Ebola outbreak.
According to BBC News,
"Foreigners are banned "due to the fear of the spread of Ebola", the company said
on Twitter, local media reported. China-based Young Pioneer Tours also confirmed
the ban...North Korean state media has suggested the disease was created by the US military as a biological weapon."
The state media's purpose is designed to inform the population with the intent of enforcing loyalty among the population. By publishing news against its enemies like the United States, it can make North Korean citizens committed to their country.
Another example of North Korea's influence on its people are the newly released propaganda slogan by the regime. Scott Neuman of WRVO Public Media presents this situation by presenting the slogans to English. Some of these slogans are:
"Let us raise a strong wind of studying the great Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism!"
"Thoroughly get rid of abuse of authority and bureaucratism!"
North Korea has an impact on its population through media by demonstrating its restrictiveness of free-speech, along with other freedoms, and to encourage social aggression against its enemy, the United States. By releasing government-influenced publications in its media, it encourages social manipulation, which can ultimately continue its agenda of endless power.