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Conflict-sensitive Reporting

Conflict-sensitive Reporting. The power of words in time of war…. What are some journalism rituals/values. Agenda setting function “ …not what to think; what to think about… ” Gatekeepers Getting the story first Covering conflicts Balance--lack of bias--objectivity

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Conflict-sensitive Reporting

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  1. Conflict-sensitive Reporting The power of words in time of war…

  2. What are some journalism rituals/values... • Agenda setting function • “…not what to think; what to think about…” • Gatekeepers • Getting the story first • Covering conflicts • Balance--lack of bias--objectivity • “Watchdogs”— keeping government honest • “Comforting the afflicted the afflict the comfortable.” • TRUTH

  3. Some recent journalistic frames • Interpretive reporting 1960s • literary journalism/long elaborate stories Tom Wolfe, Turman Capote, James Fallows… • Alternative journalism • Mother Jones, the Progressive, now Indymedia blogs • Public journalism/Civic journalism 1990s • Distrust of journalists • Engage the citizens in the storytelling • Critics on both sides • Citizen journalism/Social media journalism • Crowd-sourcing • Peace journalism or Conflict-sensitive reporting

  4. What part does journalism play in conflict situations? • Internally • May foster patriotism • Offers public information about war • Externally • May explain the conflict to those outside of the conflict • Offers other side a chance to view the mind of the enemy

  5. UN Declaration of Human Rights http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ Summary: Right to life, liberty and security of person; education; freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; work; seek and obtain asylum from persecution in other countries; among others. This UN charter commits member-states to promote peace.

  6. UNESCO 1978: … mass media have an important contribution to strengthening peace… 1983: … a true journalist stands for peace, democracy, human rights and participates activaly and contributes through dialogue to a climate conducive of peace and justice everywhere…

  7. Journalism’s impact on peace (?) Should journalists take conscious steps to mitigate conflicts and wars through their reporting? Or should they be patriotic? First rule of journalism is to understand the information and the environment fully. Can that be done during conflicts? Most important tool: language– it can distort or clearify reality. (From yesterday’s lesson) The way we communicate (in words and media) determines our culture, attitudes, actions and values.

  8. War reporting: Simple dichotomies Only two choices Useful for journalism Violence orientated Easy dichotomies Good vs. Evil God vs. Satan Us vs. Them

  9. Language, meaning and reality But same eventcan be expressedin different ways and suggestvariousconnotations. A soldier A liberator A hero A freedom-fighter A terrorist A killer A murderer The battle in modernwarfare is also a fight to controlthemessage and thevocabulary

  10. The media is the most importantbattlefield in this part ofthewar (propaganda-war).

  11. The Global Media ‘Battlefield’

  12. Johan Galtung’s contrasting model for War Reporting and Peace Journalism Peace journalism: Peace/conflict-resolutionoriented (waris theproblem) Truth-oriented:Exposeuntruthson all sides People oriented:Focuson PEOPLE sufferingand givevoice to voiceless and name to evil doers on all sides Solution-oriented War journalism: War/violence oriented(”they” are the problem) Propaganda oriented: Exposes ”their” untruths/ Journalists assist with ”our” cover-ups/ lies Elite-oriented: Focuses on ”our” suffering; give unsavory names to ”their” evil-doers Victory oriented

  13. : Examples from British media during the Gulf War in 1991 (researchstudy) They have: A war machine Censorship Propaganda They launch Sneak missle attacks Without provocation We have: Army, Navy, AF Reporting guidelines Press briefings We launch: First strikes Pre-emptively

  14. Jake Lynch: Old to New Journalismor realizing an external goal Status quo journalism _________________ Seeks simplicity Reactive to violent events Event-based reporting claim of objectivity Balance = cover both sides equally New approach journalism _____________________ Explores complexity Strategies to understand/uncover the conflict Process-based reporting ”I am fair” Balance = represent both sides stories and perceptions

  15. How to do Conflict-Sensitive Reporting: WHO is affected by this conflict; who has a distinct stake in its outcome. What is their relationship to one another, including relative power, influence, affluence? WHAT triggered the dispute; what drew it to your attention at this time? What issues do the parties need to resolve? WHEN did this conflict begin; how long have the circumstances existed that gave rise to the dispute? WHERE – What geographical or political jurisdictions are affected by this dispute? How has this kind of conflict been handled in other places? HOW are those in charge going to resolve this e.g. negotiation, mediation, hearing, armed warfare: true cost/benefits of chosen method What other options have the parties explored? What common ground is there between the parties; what have they agreed to so far?

  16. Otherwaysmedia work during war... PSYOPS- including propaganda, persuasion and creative information News management of military operations Control of access to the battlefield Creating pool systems (or embedded program) Censorship Enemy images and creative language designed to win hearts and minds

  17. Please review reading • Conflict-sensitive Reporting by Ross Howard

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