Abstract: This study examines the performance of media outlets during conflicts affecting the entire world, and the role they can play by virtue of their capacity to influence audiences, through their coverage of conflict events and their use of concepts and content related to conflict resolution. It was based on the premise that the media, throughout history, has been closely intertwined with conflicts, disputes and wars, often fuelling them, and that its ability to contribute to de-escalation and resolution is highly limited. This is largely because media organisations are not independent entities; most are aligned with local, regional or international actors and approach conflicts according to the agendas of their funders and the interests of the parties to whom they are connected. The study adopts a descriptive methodology to diagnose and characterise conflicts, identify their features and manifestations, and examine the role of the media in covering them, as well as the interactive relationship—on that basis—between media, audiences and conflicts. It also draws on a cognitive approach to media, viewing it as a means of socially constructing reality. From this standpoint, it explores the relationship between media and conflict through the lens of constructivist theory and social responsibility theory. The study concludes that media outlets play essential roles in most conflicts around the world; however, they remain largely unable to offer a professional media model oriented toward public service—one that contributes to creating a shared space for conflicting parties and facilitates dialogue between them. Despite the emergence of certain strands of conflict-sensitive journalism, which present themselves as advancing solutions and peace, these have remained limited, situational experiments, far removed from sustained media practice. Keywords: Conflict Resolution, Peace Journalism, Conflict-Sensitive Journalism, Solutions Journalism, Constructive Journalism, Positive Initiatives.
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter