An Operational Framework for Media and Peacebuilding - Montreal ...
An Operational Framework for Media and Peacebuilding - Montreal ...
An Operational Framework for Media and Peacebuilding - Montreal ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
The ContextJohn SylvesterA PROVISOThe material presented here can aid thinkingabout, <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing of, media-relatedopportunities <strong>for</strong> peacebuilding. However,even the most rigorous framework is not atemplate <strong>for</strong> media initiatives. Every case ofmedia intervention is different. No mediapractice, nor any intervention strategy, islimited to a particular stage of conflict. Theuniqueness of every situation <strong>and</strong> the need<strong>for</strong> flexibility <strong>and</strong> innovation that respectslocal interests <strong>and</strong> skills cannot be overemphasized.Without committed localinterests, peacebuilding interventions arelikely to fail.<strong>An</strong>d it must be recognized that the media’sinfluence alone is insufficient to produce thechanges necessary <strong>for</strong> a society’s reconciliation,stability <strong>and</strong> security. <strong>Media</strong> initiativesmust work closely with other actors <strong>and</strong>initiatives, must be timed appropriately, <strong>and</strong>must demonstrate patience <strong>and</strong> longevity. Butequally, other initiatives such as emergencyrelief, democratic development, health <strong>and</strong>education can recognize that media initiativesfocused on conflict reduction inevitably benefitthem too. The potential <strong>for</strong> synergy is high.This framework is based upon a reviewof published sources, discussions withpractitioners in media <strong>and</strong> in peacebuilding,<strong>and</strong> interviews with, <strong>and</strong> contributions from,those working directly in the field. It shouldbe viewed as a work in progress – a learningtool that can be adapted as experiences <strong>and</strong>new ideas are brought <strong>for</strong>ward.BACKGROUNDThe significance of the media is obvious: itis often among the first elements of a societyto be disrupted in an overt conflict. Evenbe<strong>for</strong>eh<strong>and</strong>, parties seek control of the mediain order to influence news <strong>and</strong> opinions intheir own interests. The resultant harm hasbeen repeatedly documented. The massmedia played a central role in pre-war Nazimolding of German popular opinion againstJewish people. More recently in the <strong>for</strong>merYugoslavia, Serbian media revived newsreelsof decades-old conflict <strong>and</strong> atrocities as partof a campaign of propag<strong>and</strong>a <strong>and</strong> hate mongeringdisguised as news, to motivate popularsentiment against Albanians <strong>and</strong> others.Less well documented is the reverse ofmedia harm. A reliable, diverse <strong>and</strong> independentnews media has an almost innatepotential <strong>for</strong> contributing to conflict3
Change language