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Tactic: Surrogate Media Amplification

Summary: Surrogate amplification involves third-party commentators, affiliates, or aligned voices reiterating thematic frames across channels [src:source-reuters-2019-campaign].

Source-Based Description:

  • Media coverage notes patterned echoing after major speeches [src:source-reuters-2019-campaign].
  • Digital reporting documents rapid cross-platform repetition windows [src:source-thehindu-digital-2020].
  • Academic framing study situates repetition within narrative consolidation models [src:source-oxford-journal-nationalism-2021].
  • Organizational analysis describes distributed reinforcement capacity [src:source-book-andersen-2021].

Mechanisms:

  • Temporal alignment sessions (reported).
  • Multi-channel cross-posting.

Observed Outcomes: Increased persistence of core phrases during amplification windows (reported) [src:source-thehindu-digital-2020].

Counter-Responses: Counter-message infiltration attempts by opposition surrogates.

Independent Verification Path:

  1. Track phrase frequency before/after flagship event.
  2. Identify distinct accounts repeating core themes.

Limits: Cannot confirm coordination vs independent alignment.

Alternative Interpretations: Echo patterns may emerge organically through network incentives.

References: Listed in sources.