An Operational Framework for Media and Peacebuilding - Montreal ...

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Looking at Media InterventionsJohn SylvesterThe traditional focus of media-relatedinitiatives has been on conventionaljournalism that supports the emergenceof good governance and democraticdevelopment, particularly in post-conflictenvironments. The focus is logical, sincetraditional journalism’s calling is to presentfacts and viewpoints that enable citizens tomake sense of their world and exercisechoices in their best interests.The newer category of media-relatedpeacebuilding goes beyond the traditionaldisengaged journalistic role. It is designed tohave an intended outcome: a reduction ofconflict among citizens. Rather than merelyinforming, material is selected for itspotential in transforming conflict, by shiftingattitudes of the parties involved in conflict,by providing essential information. Thisapproach also extends from traditionaljournalism media into avenues such aspopular music, soap operas and call-inshows, community radio and video projects,and street theatre, wall posters, or concerts.It can be highly effective, particularly inconflict-ridden areas where audiences aredesperately receptive to informationpresented in an entertaining form.Between these two categories lies a stageof media fusion. Journalists, mainly from theglobal northwest, have argued the ostensiblyimpartial role they play is incompatible withreporting which openly seeks conflictresolution or involves personal intervention.This position has discouraged synergisticrelationships among media practitioners andpeacebuilders. However, especially in manymodern conflict environments, it isincreasingly obvious that the professionalnorms of journalism do not trump fundamentalmoral obligations.It is also clear that all journalistsunconsciously reflect personal and culturalvalues in selecting their content (or framingtheir stories, as it is called). What is neededis recognition of the value of framing storiesfor the benefit of conflict resolution. Withthis recognition emerges a journalism that issensitized to conflict resolution techniques,and seeks to maximize understanding of theunderlying causes and possible solutions. Insome conflict environments, journalists seetheir role as more complex than simplycarriers of information, and they actively seekto facilitate the most important peacebuildingdialogues needed in their communities.9
A Typology of Media InterventionsJake LynchJust as specific impacts of conflict uponmedia are rarely unique to one stage ofconflict, media interventions also are notlimited to any one stage of conflict. Differentmedia interventions can overlap, operateside-by-side, or be combined depending uponcircumstances. Nonetheless, to establish acommon language for determining andcomparing intervention opportunities, somepatterns can be identified and described.Five types of media intervention aredescribed here. Examples of specific peacebuildinginitiatives falling within the fivecategories are given later in this framework(Table Two).Type One. One common interventioninvolves initiatives to overcome journalismseverely constrained by its lack ofprofessionalism, diversity, freedom andtechnology. This rudimentary journalismtraining addresses unskilled, inaccurate,conflict-obsessed, or highly partisan media.Often this media is, or was, controlled bythe state or special interests and it reflectsnarrow views or propaganda. A legalframework regulating and protecting themedia is likely lacking. The foremost toolfor peacebuilding here is training media inthe basics skills of journalism, such asimpartiality, accuracy and balance.Awareness of democratic practices, especiallyelection coverage, is essential. Technologytraining and equipment is also supplied; and,also included is the promotion of journalisticcodes and a basic legal infrastructure thatprotects journalists from intimidation.Type Two. A second type of mediaintervention provides more responsiblejournalism development beyond basic skills.Tools include developing investigative,explanatory and specialist reporting, andwell-informed analytical reporting. Initiativesinclude promoting and providing models fora full media infrastructure that includesimpartial regulators, media performancerequirements, access to information, presscouncils, and promulgation of standards todefine libel and slander as elements of mediaaccountability. Developing diverse, competitiveand sustainable media outlets, especiallythrough management training, is anothertool. The intention is to create a media thatserves society as a conflict resolution processand upholds democratic governance.Type Three. An emerging genre of mediaintervention is located between traditionaljournalism and more pro-active uses ofmedia. Journalists are encouraged toconsciously examine their role to recognize10
Page 1 and 2: INSTITUTE for MEDIA, POLICY and CIV
Page 3 and 4: National Library of Canada Catalogu
Page 6 and 7: IntroductionThe media is a double-e
Page 8 and 9: The ContextJohn SylvesterA PROVISOT
Page 10 and 11: The Context • 5WHAT IS PEACEBUILD
Page 12: Analyzing the Conflict Environment
Page 17 and 18: Key ConsiderationsStages of conflic
Page 19 and 20: 14 • AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR
Page 25 and 26: Lessons Learned1. FOR DONORS• Don
Page 27: Appendix AMedia InitiativesQUESTION
Page 31 and 32: Appendix CResourcesAvailable on the
Page 33: INSTITUTE for MEDIA, POLICY and CIV

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