Media, specifically visual media, has had a huge impact on our country. While not under direct government control, it often influences the public's view on issues prevalent at the time.

With the invention of television and computers, books and newspapers are being swept away by a sea of new and better improved technology.

In The Siege, this is thrown back in the viewers face. Proving the fact that media, not laws, rules our society. The terrorists wait for media coverage, any type of camera to strike. Then when they receive recognition, they wreck havoc.

The government uses the media in much the same way. In all the scenes with televisions showing the military, Bruce Willis, or someone similar comes on screen and makes a patriotic speech. In one press conference where he was first implementing martial law, he says he wants to find the terrorists, destroy them, and be home in time for the playoff's. Using football, he has reached a large majority of the population.