A "news blackout" for the hostages refers to a decision to restrict or block the flow of information about the hostages to the media and the public. This was done in order to protect the safety and well-being of the hostages, as well as to prevent the hostage-takers from using the media to advance their goals or demands. By limiting the amount of information that was made public, the authorities hoped to reduce the risk of harm to the hostages and to increase the chances of a successful resolution to the crisis. In some cases, a news blackout may also serve to prevent panic or unrest among the public, especially if the hostage-taking incident is part of a larger conflict or crisis.
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