Media Manipulation

The Gambit's story line is rife with the depiction of subtle media manipulation engaged as part of an overall conspiracy to spike oil prices globally. First, terrorist events are arranged to impact the supply of petroleum to an energy-hungry world. Next, a psychological veneer is applied on top of the events to couch them in terrorist overtones. Terrorist groups are trotted out, with pre-planned announcements, to available media outlets (cable/satellite television and the Internet) to take credit for the events and threaten more of the same, all for the express purpose of further hyping global oil markets already teetering in panic mode as to where the next barrel of oil will come from.

The leaders of the conspiracy are shown as cynical and nuanced in their use of media outlets, shown as mere conduits of information and not very discriminate. Are certain satellite television outlets active in the Middle East much different from the ones described? In one instance, after a Russian oil pipeline explosion, a terrorist group (the Islamic Freedom Front) brazenly takes credit for the attack, even if they were not actually involved, and issue an announcement to the effect. Of course, the announcement was written for them-even followed by an appropriate video posted to a website, as the conspirators ensure that the proper spin is applied to jolt markets further. The Front is duly paid for its efforts, consisting of doing nothing other than allowing their name to be used.

Next comes another shadowy group (Sons of the Jihad) issuing threats to ravage oil infrastructure worldwide. Their pronouncements are completely uncensored and passed through a satellite televison station in Egypt. The station is uncaring that the group doesn't even exist; they are merely paid to allow quality air time for the announcements provided by the conspirators. The cumulative effects of the terrorist-oriented propaganda weigh down on jittery markets, causing oil prices to spiral ever upward. Market players can only assume that the terrorist organizations are real and actually involved in the perpetration of the events. In fact, certain players applaud the efforts, clued-in as to what is going on and desperately trying to get in front of the action. They assume that media manipulation in some form will be applied, a necessary ingredient to any viable conspiracy theory or program.

Then, there is the bonding, beyond the usual, between Charles Sanders, the Texas oilman, and Janet Tilson, his latest lover and, perhaps more importantly, a local Houston news anchor providing just the right interview when needed. Sanders is skillful in his own manipulation of the local press to satiate his vanity and, in the meantime, cover his own tracks. However, Ms. Tilman has her own reasons to play the game; her ticket to an even brighter future is being punched by the savvy Sanders able to deliver juicy news tidbits when needed for prime time.

And not least, there is the American president spinning his way throughout a brutal election campaign, aided by the capable Roger Freeman, and grasping to use a briefly heroic Sanders in the final days winding down to the election, even though aware of the oilman's duplicity in allowing a terrorist event to be staged on the Alamo, the massive supertanker controlled by his own company. Not even allowing the treacherous Sanders to be arrested until after the elections, he milks the press around Sanders for all the man is worth to gain a final advantage going down the stretch. The President gambles that if certain other events take place as planned, he need only slap Sanders' hands after the election since the awful truth will be buried with the bodies of others.

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