The peace journalism option

Abstract

Much of what we regard as "news" is the reporting of conflict. As most of our "information" about conflict situations comes from news reports. it follows that the media have a crucial role in forming public attitudes to such conflicts and the parties involved. While journalists claim they are simply reporting the "facts", they are. in fact. constantly selecting what and how they report, depending on the various agendas in force and their own unavoidable bias. Peace journalism, also known as conflict resolution journalism, is a broader, fairer and more truthful way of framing stories about conflict, drawing on the insights of conflict analysis and transformation. Journalists strive to present all sides fairly, and not to repeat "facts" that directly or indirectly blame one party, or fuel the conflict. This paper describes overseas peace journalism frameworks, used for the reporting of war, and develops from them a framework, or set of criteria, for the investigation and reporting of social conflict. This is a framework that can be used in a New Zealand context, Included are principles such as focusing on the causes of the conflict rather than on its manifestation; seeking perspectives directly from those involved; not using emotive or polarising language; and avoiding blame. Five winning print entries in the New Zealand Media Peace Awards are analysed against this framework, to demonstrate the principles in practice. These articles were not written as "peace journalism", but are effectively aligned to it. The paper concludes by offering the framework as a viable option for all journalists.