Last updated on Jun 16, 2024

In what ways can media coverage contribute to the resolution of conflicts?

Conflicts, ranging from interpersonal disputes to global issues, often seem intractable and resistant to resolution. Yet, media coverage can play a pivotal role in conflict resolution, serving as a bridge between opposing parties and the public. When wielded with responsibility and foresight, media production becomes a tool for peacebuilding, providing platforms for dialogue, humanizing participants, and fostering understanding among diverse audiences. As you navigate the complex landscape of modern media, consider how its power can be harnessed to not only report on conflicts but also to contribute to their resolution.

1 Raise Awareness

Media coverage can illuminate issues that might otherwise remain in the shadows, bringing them to the forefront of public discourse. By highlighting the nuances of a conflict, media can educate viewers and readers, providing them with the context necessary to understand the root causes and the stakes involved. This awareness is the first step towards garnering support for resolution efforts, as it encourages empathy and a desire for change. When people are informed, they're better equipped to contribute to peacebuilding initiatives and pressure stakeholders to find common ground.

Add your perspective

Scott "Pick" Picken

State Farm Insurance Agent Proudly Serving the Wilson, North Carolina Area
Report contribution
Not really an appropriate goal for an unbiased news media. Conflicts often exist for good reasons. In politics for instance, conflict arises among people with differing backgrounds and world views. It doesn't mean either is right or wrong, just of a different perspective. By covering those conflicts honestly and without bias, the media is presenting its customers with important information to shape their own perspectives and make better informed decisions as citizens. The conflicts will continue, but the hope is an informed consensus will develop over time.

Like
linda stasi

3-book Novelist, Investigative Reporter, Columnist, Book Reviewer, Treasurer Museum of Civil Rights
Report contribution
In the past decade unbiased news reporting has increasingly been replaced by what can best be described as “opinion news.” 24/7 News channels are really extended talk shows dressed up in anchor clothing. Therefore I believe that in order for viewers to be educated on the issues, they either have to watch the gamut of right and left leaning channels — and who has that much time?—or go back to watching traditional news on broadcast TV. Remember CBS, NBC and ABC? They are still unbiased for the most part and report the facts and usually skip the same “experts” opining on every topic. Add to that, podcasts, social media outlets and talk radio and your head can explode from too much talk and too few facts.Talk is cheap, research is golden.

Like
Gibran Ashraf

Journalist | Digital & Social Media Specialist | Media Strategist | Journalism Trainer | Media Consultant
Report contribution
One of the ways that the media can help play its part in resolving conflicts is simply by focusing on and reporting on the solutions to these conflicts. This does not mean simply championing isolated incidents of success, but reporting the nuances of the solutions, the challenges in attaining the solution, the insights from such solutions, data to back up efficacy and durability/fragility of solution and considerations for its repeatability. Media must also be careful to debunk and verify myths and rumours surrounding conflicts while being careful not to repeat common tropes which contribute to the conflict. By initiating a positive conversation around a conflict, media can help play a part in conflict resolution.

Like

2 Facilitate Dialogue

Media serves as a powerful platform for dialogue, offering a space where conflicting parties can present their perspectives. By broadcasting interviews, debates, and peace talks, media producers allow voices from all sides of a conflict to be heard. This transparency can foster trust and understanding, as individuals are exposed to the human stories behind opposing views. Moreover, media can act as a mediator, posing critical questions and guiding discussions in a way that searches for commonalities instead of deepening divisions.

Add your perspective

3 Counter Misinformation

In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, responsible media coverage is crucial in providing accurate information and debunking falsehoods that can exacerbate conflicts. By committing to fact-checking and presenting balanced reports, media outlets can prevent the escalation of tensions that arise from misunderstandings or deliberate disinformation campaigns. This role is particularly important in conflict zones where rumors and propaganda can fuel violence and hinder resolution efforts.

Add your perspective

offong offong

Assistant Director/Head, Information and Public Relations Unit at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital
Report contribution
Really, first and foremost, the media is expected to present both sides in a given situation, but then, going beyond this, to presenting the matter in its right perspective, does a lot to check misinformation and in the process, prevent crisis.

Like

4 Promote Accountability

Media coverage can hold parties accountable for their actions in a conflict, particularly when it comes to violations of laws or agreements. Journalists and media producers can investigate and expose wrongdoing, compelling those involved to adhere to ethical standards and agreements. This watchdog role is essential for maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that any resolutions are built upon a foundation of justice and fairness.

Add your perspective

5 Highlight Successes

Sharing stories of successful conflict resolution can be inspirational and provide a roadmap for others facing similar issues. Media coverage of peace agreements, reconciliation processes, and post-conflict reconstruction can showcase the benefits of resolution efforts. By broadcasting these positive outcomes, media can encourage a belief in the possibility of peace and motivate stakeholders to pursue similar paths.

Add your perspective

6 Support Healing

Finally, media has the potential to facilitate healing after a conflict has been resolved. Through documentaries, feature stories, and other forms of coverage, media can chronicle the journey of communities as they rebuild and reconcile. This not only honors the resilience of those affected but also serves as a reminder of the value of peace. As such, media coverage can help to cement the gains made through conflict resolution and prevent a relapse into discord.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Jeff Ermoian

Video Director @ Texas Music Cafe | Video Production, Live Music
Report contribution
A great example of how this can work would be the HBO program that John Oliver hosts called Last Week Tonight. The program focuses on a single topic and explores it in detail explaining what’s going wrong how and why. Better still it usually gives viewers ideas about what they can do to improve the situation. That’s excellent research and reporting which explores frustrating issues through the lens of humor.

Like
Aftab Ahmed

Writer/Columnist
Report contribution
Media should do its work keeping individual and collective interests in mind this approach is positive and there is nothing wrong in it but it happens that there is no balance and the media prefers personal interests or business interests.

Like

In what ways can media coverage contribute to the resolution of conflicts?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Raise Awareness

2 Facilitate Dialogue

3 Counter Misinformation

4 Promote Accountability

5 Highlight Successes

6 Support Healing

7 Here’s what else to consider

Media Production

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Media Production

More relevant reading

In what ways can media coverage contribute to the resolution of conflicts?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Raise Awareness

2 Facilitate Dialogue

3 Counter Misinformation

4 Promote Accountability

5 Highlight Successes

6 Support Healing

7 Here’s what else to consider

Media Production

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills