FARC Online
The URL name, farc-epeace.org, sounds a bit like your average NGO - yet is the home of FARC's media wing. They publish editorials, repost relevant news articles from affiliated, often socialist news organizations, and have lately posted many updates on the ongoing peace talks with the Colombian government. A typical post contains links to associated FARC media enterprises, like soundcloud, instagram, and even including a strong web of twitter followers. One of the first advertisements you find on the right hand toolbar of their website contains a link to a copy of a PDF entitled "Marulanda and the FARC For Beginners". This is the go-to handbook that begins the radicalization process for would be members of FARC.
Twitter: Many of FARC's members maintain extremely active presences on Twitter, linked together by both the FARC tag at the beginning or end of their names, but also by the hashtags #InformativoInsurgente and #FARC. Below captures a couple examples of twitter posts made by the group and its members. The hashtag #informativoinsurgente, or insurgent information, is telling of FARCs belief that they are not a terrorist group - but a rational, intelligent group of insurgents fighting against an occupational struggle. The messaging of FARC's twitter members is constant and rigid, never referring to the actions of their group as terrorist, terror-like, or anything but a defense of their ideals.
¡¡YA CUMPLIMOS!! EL CAMINO HACIA LA PAZ DEBE CONTINUAR, PORQUE NO ES UNA ILUSION, ES UNA PROMESA. QUE VIVA LA PAZ Y QUE VIVA COLOMBIA.
@FARC_COLOMBIA
Pronto espera este domingo el #InformativoInsurgente: "En el nombre de la #Paz" NO TE LO PIERDAS
@FARC_EPaz
- en http://www.pazfarc-ep.org ULTIMA EMISIÓN DEL #InformativoInsurgente http://goo.gl/JOmOr3
@Sergio_FARC
The "FARC twitter" network is in contact with one another on a seemingly daily basis, retweeting "memes" that support Che Guevara and the revolutionary struggle, along with news about current action within the terror group.
Youtube:
FARC Releases twenty minute long, highly produced news segments that offer them the ability to put their own spin on the news of the day. These broadcasts often comment on the injustices served against FARC at the hands of the Colombian government, with little comment about FARC's terrorist activities. This media option allows FARC to broadcast the news they wish to be heard to their followers and the outside world, and is a powerful tool that keeps FARC members active and knowledgeable about current issues within the organization. Below is a recent example of the news that they produce, complete with male and female co-anchors:
Soundcloud:
A search for "FARC" on soundcloud brings up numerous radio shows and songs produced by the terror group. These radio shows, broadcast in spanish, run an hour long and include music / news of the day. The cultural programming serves as yet another extension of the FARC Media Empire. Below is a rap song created by young members the group, in a nod to popular culture, that highlights the propaganda efforts FARC uses to highlight their struggle as one of poor farmers vs. the elite class.
Overall, The messaging and imagery of FARC online is consistent, constant, and powerful. They never refer to their offensive actions online, and stick to pushing the image of the group as one of revolutionary struggle.
This page has paths:
- How FARC Operates James Owen
