The A publication of the Center for Global Peace at Park University Vol. 1, No. 1. April, 2012

Uganda project spreads --page 5

Inside: +Gandhi: Peace Journalist--Pg 3 +Do in Afghanistan understand conflict?--Pg 12 +Learning conflict sensitive journalism in Iraq--Pg 22

PJ April 2012 Page 2 PJ April 2012 Page 3 The What is Peace Journalism? Gandhi: The original peace journalist Peace Peace Journalism is when editors and reporters make choices that improve By Abhilash Chandran goals that were based the prospects for peace. These choices, including how to frame stories and on his philosophy of carefully choosing which words are used, create an atmosphere conducive to Journalist The true function of journalism is to educate the public non-violence (), peace and supportive of peace initiatives and peacemakers, without compro- mind, not to stock the public mind with wanted and un- self reliance (swadeshi), mising the basic principles of good journalism. (Adapted from Lynch/McGold- The Peace Journalist is a wanted impressions. A journalist has therefore to use his self rule (swaraj), and rick, Peace Journalism). Peace Journalism gives peacemakers a voice while semi-annual publication of discretion as to what to report and when. As it is, journal- truth-force (). making peace initiatives and non-violent solutions more visible and viable. the Center for Global Peace ists are not content to stick to facts alone. Journalism has All these were reflected Journalim at Park University become the art of intelligent anticipation of events. in his journalistic writ- in Parkville, Missouri. -Mahatama Gandhi- ings and oral commu- Contents: nications, and his non- The Peace Journalist is verbal communications Gandhi: Peace Journalist 3 Apart from being a national leader and social reformer, dedicated to disseminating Mahatma Gandhi was a great communicator. More than such as his innumer- able journeys on foot, and information for Media can promote religious tolerance 4 anyone else, he recognized that communication is the and about teachers, stu- most effective tool to shape opinion and mobilize popular padayatras, within India, mediation, fasting and prayer meetings.1 dents, and practitioners of Center for Global Peace Journalism 5 support. Gandhi was a strong believer in the power of the word and wrote very cautiously in his to mo- peace and conflict sensitive Gandhi’s journals never had any sensational topics. He journalism. Uganda PJ project 2010-11 6 bilize public opinion. The subjects he chose to write on were varied and variegated, which depicted his honesty, wrote on constructive work, satyagraha, , diet, nature-cure, Hindu-Muslim unity, untouchability, Submissions are welcome integrity and in-depth understanding. PJ trainer: Succeeding in Uganda 8 spinning, khadi, swadeshi, village industries and prohibi- from all. We are seeking Gandhian journalism emerged from the values and phi- tion. He stressed the need of re- orientation of education shorter submissions (300- Measuring violence in the 10 losophy practiced and propagated by and food habits and was a severe critic of 500 words) detailing peace Mahatma Gandhi in his life and through national defects.2 journalism projects, classes, NGO spotlight: IREX 11 his publications viz., Indian opinion, proposals, etc. We also Harijan and Young India. With courage of PJ in India Gandhi’s insights and understanding of welcome longer submissions Do Afghani journalists understand 12 conviction, Gandhi applied the principles the necessity of the media and communi- (800-1200 words) about conflict? of honesty and integrity in his real life cation led him to have movement’s own news and views publication and that is how the Indian peace or conflict sensitive and also in journalism. He could bravely write his quest opinion seems to have been born. Gandhi has devoted a journalism projects or pro- Is PJ ethical? 16 for truth or experiments with truth while boldly facing the poignant situations to achieve his goals. Essentially, separate chapter both in his autobiography and his book grams, as well as academic on satyagraha in South Africa. Both the chapters contain works from the field. Commentary: Anti-Assad agenda 17 he believed that newspapers should have values when they are launched with a view to serving people. details on how to why and how to publish a paper. The challenges journalists content of the chapters is enough to pass Gandhi as a Editor: Steven Youngblood, Gandhian journalism professional and committed journalist. He has in these Director, Center for Global On Campus: PJ at Swarthmore 18 chapters described difficulties of publishing news maga- Peace Journalism Gandhian journalism was a product Gandhi’s approach zines and managing it including the advertisement and Park University. Teaching conflict sensitve journalism 22 to life, his concern for humanity and his deep commit- finance aspects. Thus, it is useful both for journalists and Editorial Advice: in Iraq ment to the poor for whose sake he fought for national in- publishers even in the present times.3 John Lofflin, Park University dependence. It was essentially the journalism of commu- nitarianisam and humanitarianisam. He had certain noble It was Gandhi’s firm belief that the was Contact: meant for “selfless service” and that it should not be steve.youngblood@ Abhilash Chandran is the used as a commercial enterprise to amass profits. De- park.edu M.Phil Scholar of Gandhian spite financial strains, he chose to turn down advertise- Studies at the School of Gandhian ments as it could compromise the focal purpose of the Center for Global Peace Thought And Development Stud- paper. Instead, he devised unconventional modes to sell Journalism, Park University ies, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshiny HillsKottyam in his paper and expanded the subscription to sustain his Kerala, India. paper.

Uganda, page 6 Iraq, page 22 Continued on Pg 21 PJ April 2012 Page 4 PJ April 2012 Page 5 Media can promote religious tolerance Center for Global Peace Journalism much faster than good news. Acts of by Ghassan Michel Rubeiz hate broadcast over and over again Such personal stories may not be can have devastating consequences of interest to the large television at Park University Palm Beach Gardens, Florida - Much for relations between communities, networks, but we could harness the The Global Peace Journalism Center is a resource for Park University of the debate about the recent as the events in Afghanistan following availability of self-made media online students (courses, seminars, service and service learning opportuni- burning of the Qur’an in a Florida Jones’ despicable act demonstrate. to share our interfaith message and ties, research, study abroad, opportunities for MISSION: The Center for church by Pastor Terry Jones focused stimulate similar events. publication of articles), Park faculty (publica- Global Peace Journalism at on its devastating impact overseas. But what can be done to counter the tion opportunities, research, travel, interna- Park University promotes But beyond the power of symbolic negative impact of new media? How The second category of action – actions to stir up religious tensions, can we harness the power of new advocacy for a free and fair media – is tional collaboration), high school journalists the concepts of peace and this event also demonstrated the media to communicate actions and already emerging. Advocates educate (seminars, contests), professional journalists peace journalism, includ- degree to which new technologies words that promote understanding, people about the rights of local worldwide (seminars, resource materials, website, collaboration), and ing advocating non-violent can speed up the dissemination of tolerance and compassion? communities to have a say in radio or like-minded organizations (collaborative projects/initiatives, research). hate messages in our ever-shrinking television programming. conflict resolution, through global village. There are three The dominance of the Initiatives: seminars and courses both

categories where action Religion press is worldwide and 1. A peace media and counterterrorism program launched in Dec., in the U.S. and abroad, The proliferation of new media has can be taken: wider corrective action is 2011. The project is bringing together media and security officials in a potentially very positive or negative dissemination of inter- needed at the global Uganda to establish frameworks of cooperation on anti-terrorism -ef through its website and impact on relations between ethnic religious news that reflect compassion level, perhaps region by region. forts. It is funded with a $150,000 magazine, and through and religious groups. Online social and understanding, advocacy for State Dept. grant. partnerships with like- network sites like Twitter, YouTube responsible use of the air waves, and In the United States, Sue Wilson – and Facebook, as well as global monitoring of the media. a California-based film-maker and 2. Peace and Electoral Journalism minded organizations. satellite stations, have facilitated the an advocate for a free and honest project, Kenya, June-July, 2012. and individuals. instant spread of news. The Qur’an For the first category – how do media – lobbies national officials Details pending. Trainings will burning, for example, was initially we convince the media to redress for better legislation, shames fear- target journalists at risk for inciting reported on YouTube and spread the imbalance and bring in more mongering and mobilises local election related violence. Contact: through television satellites on “good news” stories? One possibility communities. 3. “People Building Peace 2.0"--A repetitive display. is to seek those stories that contain story about the Uganda PJ project Steven Youngblood elements of suspense, courage and I heard Wilson speak passionately [email protected] We all know that bad news spreads sacrifice. Events revealing how, say, a about media ownership last month is featured in the book "People Muslim saved the life of a Jew during after a screening of her film, Building Peace 2.0". The Uganda a crime, or how a Jewish boy saved an Broadcast Blues. Wilson believes story by was selected for the book Website elderly Muslim woman in a hurricane, that people should own their local as part of a "Stories of Peace" con- www.park.edu/peacecenter could be brought to the attention of airwaves. She pleads: save your local test sponsored by the Peace Portal. television producers and creators of newspaper, radio and television new media content. station from corporate ownership that Left-Mackay hall, Park University is consolidated, autocratic, alarming Yet, even less dramatic events may and self-serving. be of interest. For example, a recent from Pg 4 Dr. Ghassan Rubeiz visit by a group from our Florida Yet new legislation and social action Religion ([email protected]) is an church to a mosque countered, albeit cannot, in and of themselves, tame Arab American commentator on in a small way, what had happened in the mainstream media. Regulation The Washington-based Center for Religious Freedom annually compares countries on tolerance for religious issues of development, peace and Jones’ Gainesville church, only three and monitoring of the media for diversity. Could we dream of creating an international body for rating the media on respect for cultural and justice. She is the former Middle hours away. Our group engaged in religious diversity could add an religious diversity? East Secretary of the Geneva- a conversation with the imam. The important dimension of professional based World Council of Churches. particular experience of learning discipline. Such monitoring should be If we cannot stop religious bias in the media, we can dilute it with positive stories that demonstrate inter-religious This article was written for the and the bonding generated through a global endeavour since the problem understanding. Tolerant and diversity-based religious education can generate compelling stories. Challenging media Common Ground News Service personal contact cannot be conveyed is not limited to the United States. standards and advocating socially responsible journalism – both within the main networks and in online forums – (CGNews). simply through preaching tolerance. could allow for a greater balance in reporting. And creating significant institutions for monitoring the media would The face-to-face meeting between our create greater pressure on editors, producers and reporters to disseminate content that gives us hope. communities broke down barriers. Continued on Pg 5 PJ April 2012 Page 6 PJ April 2012 Page 7 Uganda PJ project discourages violence Ugandan journalism from Pg 6 throughout Uganda, as evidenced by the 9,222 miles By Steven Youngblood that Project Assistant Gloria Laker and I traveled dur- ing the project. This is great, but it’s not enough. Our sore backs and chronic fatigue did not go unre- As I taught Peace Journalism in Uganda for five weeks in 2009, I kept hearing this mantra. The journalists in my semi- warded. nars said they liked and needed what I was teaching. However, the radio reporters and manager attendees emphasized that Uganda needed many more peace journalism lessons as the 2011 elections approached. By any measure, the project was successful. Ugan- dans in 14 towns formed Peace Clubs. These clubs At the urging of the journalists, we put together a proposal for a comprehensive Peace, Development, and Electoral joined forces at a summit in Kampala in March, and Journalism project for 2010-2011 in Uganda. formed a national organization to promote peace. If approved, the project would require that I teach radio journalists to under- The Public Service Announcement project also suc- stand and practice Peace Journalism, a term developed by journalists Johan ceeded in getting peaceful messages broadcast on Galtung, Annabeth McGoldrick and Jake Lynch. I define Peace Journalism as when PJ in Uganda dozens of radio stations throughout Uganda. Most editors and reporters make choices that improve the prospects for peace. These telling, there were no incidents of media induced choices promote the positive development of societies recovering from conflict or exacerbated election violence in 2010-2011. The while they create an atmosphere supportive of peace initiatives and peacemakers and conducive to reconciliation. For (Above, below right) Radio journalists learn the basics of peace strongest evidence of a dearth of media induced or the radio journalists, PJ means, among other things, avoiding the use of inflammatory, inciting language. journalism in Uganda in 2010 and 2011. exacerbated violence can be seen in results from a Our project, consisting of three major parts, was pitched to the U.S. Embassy-Kampala and USAID, and approved survey we conducted of 40 radio journalists/presenters and 20 radio managers from throughout Uganda during the first shortly thereafter. The $270,000 effort consisted of holding 30 seminars across Uganda for radio journalists and manag- two weeks of March. Among other things, those surveyed were asked if anything (news, talk program, panelists, tele- ers, launching a Public Service Announcement campaign with a “no election violence” message, and organizing Peace phone callers) broadcast by their radio station encouraged or incited violence. All 60 responded no. Clubs, groups of Ugandans working with media to ensure a violence-free election. Can our peace journalism project take credit for this lack of media induced violence? The journalists who attended our The principal goal of the Peace, Development, and Electoral Journalism project was to prevent media induced or exac- post-election follow up meetings weren’t hesitant about crediting our project with preventing violence. The journalists erbated violence during the 2011 election cycle. said the workshops lead to more responsible and balanced reporting that carefully avoided inflammatory language or irresponsible, sensationalistic stories. The project was needed because of a legacy of violent elections (Kenya, Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe) and of hate radio in sub-Saharan Africa. Hate radio, the use of the airwaves to encourage sectarianism and/or violence, was used as a The survey results confirmed what the journalists told us. Respondents were asked to rate the effectiveness of the destructive tool during the Rwandan genocide (1994), during post-election unrest in Kenya (2007-8), and even during peace/electoral journalism trainings for radio journalists, announcers, and managers (on a 1-5 scale) in preventing riots in Kampala (2009). Many believed this volatile mix of campaign/electoral turmoil and hate radio, combined with broadcasts that might encourage or in- the fact that Uganda is still recovering from a 20-year civil war, made the 2011 election a potentially dangerous one. It cite violence. Five is very effective, and was against this backdrop that the PJ one not at all effective. The average project began. for this question was 4.38, somewhere Steven Youngblood (center) between effective and very effective. is director of the Center for Global The project, which ran from Febru- Those surveyed were also asked to Peace Journalism at Park Universi- ary 2010 to April 2011, was highlight- ty in Parkville, Missouri USA. He ed by 30 seminars, 25 for journalists rate the effectiveness of the peace/ directed the Peace, Electoral, and and the remainder for radio station electoral journalism trainings in im- Developmental Journalism project managers. proving the professionalism of elec- in Uganda (2010-11). Youngblood tion coverage. The average was 4.33. is a two-time J. William Fulbright At the journalist’s semi- The project succeeded because of the Scholar (Moldova 2001 and nars, we discussed the basics of peace dedication of Project Assistant Gloria Azerbaijan 2007). He has taught journalism (frame stories to discour- Laker and the Ugandan journalists in 12 countries for the U.S. State age violence, give peacemakers and who committed themselves to improv- Department, UNICEF, USAID, everyday people a voice, avoid inflam- ing their professionalism and making and People to People International. matory language). The radio reporters their communities a better place. Youngblood is an associate profes- also produced peace-themed radio sor of communications at Park It’s our hope that this peace and electoral journalism model can replicated elsewhere, since it proved to be such a University. reports and PSA’s which aired on their local stations. The seminars were held powerful tool for peace and reconciliation in Uganda. Continued on Pg 7 PJ April 2012 Page 8 PJ April 2012 Page 9

PJ trainer: Seminars spur changes Uganda PJ trainer from Pg 8 15 community peace clubs where more than 500 radio journalists from different parts of the country. We travelled 14,000 km in the course of the citizen, we were more committed in local leaders, who are also peace project, covering the North, South, East, Central and Western part regions of Uganda. By Gloria Laker Aciro meeting our goals and results. advocates, played the watch dog role The trainings not only focused on peace and electoral journalism, but also the development aspect, leaving the As a journalist and project on the media in an effort to see that The trainings we conducted for journalists full with enough materials and information on the importance of peace in the development process. assistant of the 10 month long journalists use peaceful language radio personnel were indeed very U.S. State Department/USAID on radio. Also, no violence message helpful because they ensured there What impressed me most was the fact that reporters changed the language they use in reporting. On days of funded reporting project in ‘Public Service Announcements’ was no media induced violence production (journalists were assigned peace journalism style radio stories), I always got to bed past midnight as we Uganda, I am still thrilled and full aired on several radio stations in the because the electronic media par- brainstormed with the journalists on the best words to choose to make a conflict story or issue a peaceful radio of joy with the achievements of country which also help create room ticularly gave more voice for peace story. the project which was aimed at for a reduced makers and reducing media induced violence violence. avoided use of Lekuru said the training changed in the last election.. hate speech her styles of reporting and choice for This fear became PJ in Uganda and inflamma- words. “I got a bachelor degree in Before the election, tension a huge challenge tory language mass communication from Uganda’s was high among Ugandans for a to me and Prof. in their reporting. The project thus most prestigious university, and I possible violence. People living Steven Youngblood, who directed the saw Ugandan media give its best in came out of the university thinking in Kampala stocked food in their project. There was need for us to do 2011 election coverage compared to conflict makes a bigger and better houses, filled their cars with gas something, meaning no rest and no the past elections. Grace Lekuru, a story other than choosing to give while others took refuge with sleep, instead running around the peace journalist with Radio Rupiny peace more chance. It was therefore their families in the country side country gathering radio journalists, in Gulu, Northern Uganda, is one of sheer luck that I got training under for fear of election violence and preaching peace and helping them the journalists trained. She com- this project directed by professor subsequent war. But this was not say and do it using peaceful approach. mented, “If media was to incite Komagum.” Komagum, meaning lucky to come. We had to make sure the ground was violence during 2011 elections then in the Acholi language, was a name smooth for the election. There were Uganda would have seen the worst given by some of the journalists to I attribute this to the Peace, a lot of speculations and rumors. We election violence such as that of Electoral and development were afraid of feeling disempowered, Prof. Youngblood. Kenya in 2007/2008’.” reporting project which set a good but this was not the case. We stood “Today I have become so passionate about peace and development journalism that I am going to take every ground for the election by training our ground and remained strong in In just ten months, we trained opportunity that I can get to promote peace and development in any community,” added Lekuru. radio journalists, establishing seeing that we made changes in the lives of reporters despite fear from Continued on Pg 9 The trainings included lectures, discussions, and hands-on exercises. Usually the argument/discussions would get hot on topical issues like closure of the CBS radio. (A Kampala station closed for inciting the October, 2010 riots). This were not just small arguments, tough one like in a typical . However, Prof. Youngblood was always quick at controlling and correcting the participants each time the debate got hot. This to me created a good learning environment and was also a sign of maturity from the participants and willingness to differentiate good from bad. Gloria Laker is the founder and director of the Peace Journal- Usually on a first day of all our seminars, the journalist were not so free to express themselves. The number one ism Foundation (PJF) of East Afri- fear was seeing a white man teaching them. Others asked for allowance, an old fashioned and corrupted approach ca. Laker was the project assistant associated with most Ugandan NGOs. Little by little they settled in for serious learning. On the last days of the of the 2010-11 Uganda Peace, seminars, one could see worry in the eyes of the participants. They would not want the seminars to end. Developmental, and Electoral Journalism project. She is a jour- I can authoritatively say 97% of the journalists who received the training were very positive and appreciated the nalist, and has reported extensively significance of peaceful reporting in relation to development journalism. This resulted to many of them receiving on the war in Northern Uganda. awards for good stories, with the best peace story coming from the most violent region of Karamoja known for its lack She has worked for the BBC and of development. Katherine Anyango, the top peace journalism award winner from Uganda, is a Karamojong journalist the Uganda Media Development from the Bokora tribe. She is now a peace advocate in the region and regularly shares her experience with fellow Foundation, among others. journalists on how to do a peaceful story. She has also introduced peaceful programs on Nenah FM.

Finally, the Uganda project has also led to the founding of a Peace Journalism Foundation (PJF) - East Africa with a regional office in Kampala. The foundation preaching peace journalism is the first of its kind in the region that is looking at creating a peaceful society through the media. PJ April 2012 Page 10 PJ April 2012 Page 11 Measuring violence in the news media IREX supports peace media projects By the Institute for Economics and Peace By IREX War, conflict, and violence, being sensational events, are still considered the most newsworthy stories when com- Since the early 1990s, IREX (Inter- pared to other topics. In light of this fact, violence-related news stories are some of the most widely reported topics national Research and Exchanges covered by major news networks. Research by the Institute for Economics and Peace has found that, on average, the Board) has implemented more than more violent a country is the more violence-related news stories it receives. That is to say, $150 million in programs in support the number of news stories a country receives is proportional to the amount of violence of media in more than 80 countries in that country. The aphorism, “if it bleeds, it leads”, is an apt description of the modus Research worldwide, including conflict-affected, operandi of major news networks and journalists around the world. transitional, and authoritarian states. IREX programs engage professional Using Media Tenor’s extensive database of more than 164,000 news items compiled from 31 news and current affairs and citizen journalists and media man- programs from four continents, IEP analyzed media reports in terms of the topics covered and the tone of reports. agers working across all media plat- In brief summary, IEP found that the overall number of negative reports exceeded the number of positive reports by forms as well as the organizations that more than three times. Furthermore, at the country level, the greater the level support robust media sectors, includ- of violence in a country, the greater the number of negative reports the coun- ing university journalism programs, The Institute for Economics try receives. Similarly, the countries that saw their situation deteriorate saw professional associations and market and Peace (IEP) is a non-profit the number of overall reports increase, with the majority being negative and research. research organization dedicated to violence-related topics. Peaceful countries, or those countries in which violence shifting the world’s focus to peace as was reduced most drastically, saw little or a modest amount of reporting. IREX’s media programs work with a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and partners in many conflict-affected IREX’s TV Mreza in action in Kosovo. progress. For more, see: These facts, while obvious to some, point to some interesting issues, particu- environments, including Iraq, Soma- re-united with Serbia itself. They digital technology and built up their http://economicsandpeace.org/ larly in relation to the events that continue to unfold around the Arab Spring. lia, Liberia and Timor Leste. We look The Arab Spring countries’ received, on average, over 20% more violence-re- closely at the impact that media in have erected barricades and made it capacity to report and analyze local lated reports than the rest of the world. Furthermore, as we would expect, the varying formats can have where there hard for the Kosovo government and and regional events. In particular it tone of coverage was overwhelmingly negative or neutral. However, using IEP’s ‘Structures of Peace’ taxonomy, which is current or potential violence, or the international organizations to admin- has worked with the stations in the identifies eight factors (Distribution of Resources; Relations with Neighbors; Rights of Others; Free Flow of Informa- opportuni- ister the border crossings. north to make sure that their cover- tion; Business Environment; Functioning of Government; Education) that are necessary for a peaceful society, we see ty to avoid age is balanced, professional and interesting patterns emerge: some of the reasons cited for the Arab Spring uprisings were low wages, lack of jobs, and PJ NGO or mitigate The IREX program was set up to not provocative. All the TV network poverty. Analyzing the news reports in terms of the Structures of Peace shows that Functioning of Government and conflict. improve the quality of informa- members share news and feature Violence topics (Warfare, Crime, and Domestic Security) accounted for over 90% of reports. Here are tion in the Serb communities and programs, building up their coverage two examples of our current program- strengthen the capacity of local radio of events in Kosovo as a whole. Similarly, reporting on Education, Rights of Others, and Free Flow of Information received minimal coverage despite ming: and TV stations to cover news about The new “Kosnet Info” program being important topics which had a direct and significant bearing on the events in the Middle East and North Africa. • In Kosovo, the Strengthening Kosovo themselves, rather than us- goes one stage further, improv- Independent Minority Media Program ing agencies and TV stations in the ing the level of debate about dif- This reveals two separate facts. Firstly, news networks are subject to a number of pressures and constraints: retain- supported by USAID, seeks to move Serbian capital Belgrade. IREX has es- ficult political issues and including ing viewers while attempting to acquire new viewers, resource and organization capacity, media ownership, and forward from past conflict through tablished networks of local stations, interviews with representatives of newsworthiness of events. These factors can provide considerable insight in explaining current reporting patterns. attention to media serving Serbian re-equipped them with modern Kosovo institutions, which have been Nile News, for instance, the Egyptian government-owned news network systematically under-reported the massive communities. The program supports rejected in the past by one of the IREX is a Washington, DC based wave of protests in Egypt in early 2011. “Kosnet Info,” a weekly public affairs leading TV stations in the north. For non profit international development example, the first program in the TV program produced jointly by the organization specializing in strength- series was produced by one of the Secondly, given the power of media and its pivotal role in disseminating information to the public, there may be four members of TV Mreza, a net- ening independent media, civil society scope for reporting on other equally important but non-violent news topics (besides business news which is the work of local stations in the scattered and education worldwide. Founded partner TV stations in north Kosovo predominant non-violent new topic). The media’s coverage of news and current affairs affects not only the standard and isolated amid the predominantly in 1968, IREX has an annual portfo- and included an item about attitudes of public debate, but the very topics which come under scrutiny. By shifting focus to topics that are important, there ethnic Albanian population. Serbs in lio of over $60 million and a staff of in south Kosovo to the recent unof- could be an opportunity to resolve issues without the need for violence, unrest, and uncertainty. Kosovo are finding it hard to come to over 500 professionals worldwide. ficial referendum held in the north terms with Kosovo’s independence, IREX has pioneered specialized work about citizens’ willingness to engage There is ample opportunity for ‘peace journalism’, i.e. shifting the focus from being exclusively on violence-related which was declared in February 2008. in media sector strengthening as a with Kosovo institutions. The item key underpinning for democratic and issues. This is particularly poignant now as Egypt still attempts to establish itself as a full-democracy and Libyan rebel Particularly in north Kosovo, which is was well balanced, covering the full forces have been accused of war crimes. Focusing on the social, political, and economic context that created the cur- economic development, the fight range of viewpoints. predominantly Serb, they are reluc- against corruption and the avoidance rent situation can potentially offer solutions or at the very least, be much more informative. tant to recognize institutions of the or mitigation of conflict. Continued on Pg 19 Kosovo government and wish to be PJ April 2012 Page 12 PJ April 2012 Page 13 Afghan From Pg 12 Do Afghani journalists understand conflict? Journalists would say, no, we don’t call ISAF when we hear about fish- the local population in awe and shock, sowing even more soldiers catching our women in nets. By Christine Roehrs, journalist/trainer mistrust about the nature and goals of the international ISAF public affairs officers don’t speak community in Afghanistan, and, of course, aggravating our language, they never get back An Afghan colleague told me a story some days ago. the situation of the local women and girls, many of to us, they are never honest about It came from one of the provinces where the American whom for weeks were not even under burqas allowed on names and numbers, and they treat troops are regularly running heavy operations. He had the streets and markets anymore. heard it in a local radio program. The journalist reported us like terrorists when we enter the No, many Afghan journalists do not understand the con- on some Friday prayers in mosques. The Mullahs had camps, searching us with machines, flict in their own country properly. They understand half said: People, keep your women and girls strictly in the men and dogs ….. The human factor of it. There are three different reasons why. house from now on – the marines are out there on our is not to be underestimated looking streets, fishing them away with nets! out for potential professional and First, Afghan journalists do not have access to informa- conflict sensitive reporting among tion from a very mighty, powerful part of the conflict, and the Afghan media. It is hard to stay The journalist had not contacted the regional command unbiased and to try getting informa- of the American forces about why the troops might have tion over and over again and to weigh decided to reduce the female population of the district PJ in Afghanistan it fairly when you have been not with fishnets. Instead, he had asked the Mullah who had taken seriously or treated respectfully cried the loudest. Turned out one of the Mullah’s neph- this is the international side of it. Many Afghan journal- for years. ews, who was able to read and write, had looked the ists have already heard of the importance of balancing term “marine” up in the internet. Apparently his English information and researching with all stakeholders. But ISAF, the International Security was not the best, because somehow he did not end up at the international aid agencies and military forces form Assistance Force, did not issue Dari the definition “marine - one of the five branches of the a closed community. And this is a community which has and Pashto press releases until some US military” but at the definition “marine - an adjective much more money, much more fire power and much months ago. It took them nine years usually applicable more international influence than any Afghan authority. to decide to communicate with the to things rela- There is a second state, an international state, within the Afghan public, also media, in its own ting to the sea or Afghan state. There are soldiers, who fight a war that language - in a country where the il- ocean“. “This is many Afghans do not understand anymore, who produce literacy rate is about 70 per cent, still. why they act so civilian casualties, who do night raids, who announce vic- And forget about English, German, inhuman”, the tories that are not real for the Afghan population. There Dutch, French, Italian, Polish or Swed- Mullah said to the are also aid workers in expensive white armored vehicles ish skills … International aid agencies, journalist. “They spending billions of dollars on projects the beneficiaries governmental as well as non-gov- aren’t even human know well – but already the neighboring village does not ernmental, seldom employ Afghan beings! They come know anymore who exactly the white-car-people are outreach staff. Their media offices are from under wa- and what they do. And there are businesses and bars, often located in the home countries ter!” restaurants and alcohol and compounds and in general a which makes it even more difficult daily life totally and increasingly separated from the daily (and expensive) for Afghan media to The journalist had Afghan life – although all of these foreign people are sup- access them. If there is press staff, not questioned Photos: posed to be there to support and to develop Afghanistan, it is mostly busy with reporting back this – or by the Winter maybe even “free” it--at minimum to work on decreasing to the own country about goals and Christine Roehrs, German way where the scenes from the country’s many conflicts. achievements. print journalist, has been based in nets came into Afghanistan, Afghanistan for the past 3 years. by Christine the story! - nor The NGO that I am supporting, Mediothek, did a series This lack of transparency and com- She is working in media devel- had he done ad- Roehrs. opment, management, relations of conferences very recently to bring together Afghan munication, also through Afghan & training. For two years, she ditional research media and international stakeholders, wanting to initi- media, has caused several conflicts helped build the Media Develop- on the origins of ate dialogues and to push for a better coverage of the which are widely discussed in inter- ment & Programs Unit of Medio- those potential international engagement and thus better informing the national politics these days. It has thek, an Afghan NGO running American fish- Afghan public. The amount of bitterness expressed by helped increasing prejudices and five media houses in Afghanistan soldiers. Instead the Afghan journalists telling about the past years was anxieties within the Afghan society, it and one in Pakistan. he had broadcast amazing. has produced anger and frustration, his piece, putting Continued on Pg 13 Continued on Pg 14

PJ April 2012 Page 14 PJ April 2012 Page 15 This educational gap has to do with From Pg 13 the fact that the international but also Understanding Conflict the national providers of journalistic side the journalist is on or from, and education are not cooperating. The and has caused misunderstandings if he is able to abstract from his own opposite is the case: There is a lot of about the intentions of the interna- point of view and upbringing and stay turf protection going on, refusing to tional community in Afghanistan. As unbiased. provide other organizations with par- an indirect result wide parts of the ticipants list of events for example or Afghan society are persuaded that And this leads to the third reason refusing to share ideas, knowing that the “foreigners” cannot be trusted. why Afghan journalists have a hard they all are in the end competing for time understanding the conflict in This negative atmosphere also has the same funding. obstructed peace building and devel- their own country and covering them opment efforts. in a conflict sensitive way. And this But the biggest problem is that the is the massive lack of professional supply is not keeping up with the The second reason for media hav- education. need. ing problems understanding the There are gaps conflict properly is: There is no “THE about how to PJ in Afghanistan In Afghani- CONFLICT” in Afghanistan. There are research prop- stan, the several conflicts and several stake- erly, how to use all sources available, media landscape has boomed over holders. There are ethnical conflicts how to weigh and judge information, the last 10 years, after never having along the lines between Hazara and how to present it, plus there is very any proper or free media. There was Pashtoons, or Tadjiks and Uzbeks, or often the ethical framework missing, a short time of modern media de- Pashto speakers and Dari speakers, this kind of guiding inner compass. velopment in the 1930’s under King or nomadic Kuchi and local commu- Amanullah, but look at the Afghan nities and so on … There are conflicts There is also unfortunately often history. Afterwards came one dictator, between Taliban and local communi- little interest in and awareness about one repressive regime after the other, ties, between Taliban and interna- the importance of background talks, plus decades of war and civil war. former heads of the department, one conflict lines, because they are ac- From Pg 14 tional forces, between international building and maintaining contacts Afghan 28 years ago, one 40 years ago, I was cessible for them. But Afghanistan’s forces and international forces, and understanding the complexities A little excursion into the Afghan told. Mazar journalism department conflicts are highly complex, and between governmental authori- of things beyond the actual story to media development might make show and get away with this. Try this teaches its students on printing tech- they are international. There are ties and local warlords and foreign report on. sense, starting with the positive: in Iran. We have more than 300 print niques by explaining about the brave people who say: For everybody’s governments. How the conflicts are Compared to the neighboring coun- products in the country, we have 24 old Heidelberger Druck – a machine sake: Let’s leave that country and covered often depends on which tries, Afghanistan has a very lively and active TV stations, we have hundreds which is 80 years old. But not because reduce the conflicts to Afghan only critical media scene. We always draw of radio broadcasters. Also, journal- they have this machine, but because stakeholders. The Afghans don’t a very gloomy picture of the media ism is very fashionable, meaning that they have some yellowed, crinkled want us anyway. The Afghan media’s in Afghanistan, and of course circum- thousands of young people enter the manuals for it. life would be definitely easier – until stances are partly dramatic in terms of “profession” every year. 10 years ago forces take over who will not allow independency, corruption, finances, Afghanistan had about 200 journalists, My assistant, Harima, 22, who just any kind of coverage. threats, censorship and self-censor- today there are more than 10,000. got her Bachelor in journalism from ship. Nai, an Afghan media NGO, does The five university journalism depart- Kabul University, told me one day that Only when international aid work- a regular media watch report, and in ments in Afghanistan toss about 250 she had asked one of her teachers ers and soldiers cooperate with the ten-year report which came out to 450 new journalists on the market about how to interview traumatized journalists, when the international last summer, it has gathered 26 cases ever year. victims of a conflict (she had attended community puts more effort into of murder, 12 cases of injury, 24 cases one of our conflict sensitive report- journalism education, when the of kidnapping, 58 cases of beating, 58 But, here comes the negative: The ing courses before and got intrigued players involved decide to create a cases of short term confinement, 71 educational system does not keep in the matter). The answer was, “You joint, comprehensive, countrywide cases of intimidation and 3 cases of up with the boom. The handful of always ask for the full name and age, approach, and when Afghan media long-term imprisonment. private and international providers of and you try not to make them cry.” are provided full access to infor- course cannot take care of this flood mation can reporters be expected Yet, Afghan journalists can say “Kar- in terms of a proper education. Kabul Again, many Afghan journalists to begin to understand and more zai is a pimp” in a famous evening talk university journalism faculty, just one don’t understand the conflict fully. If competently report on the ongoing example, officially worked with two they are lucky they understand or at conflict. least want to understand the Afghan Continued on Pg 15 books until not long ago, written by PJ April 2012 Page 16 PJ April 2012 Page 17 Is Peace Journalism ethical? Anti-Assad agenda tests peace journalists By Steven Youngblood journalists maintain an obligation to the public by refus- by Julie Dolezilek Director, Center for Global Peace Journalism These statements and images have been packaged with ing to spread government propaganda, while giving a very unambiguous agenda in mind. That agenda—to many angles and faces to the stories that they report. Responsible journalists are supposed to be unbiased, The heavily debated practice of peace journalism is put pressure on the international community to act Peace journalists believe that they should inform the to avoid advocating any agenda, and to not encourage vio- practiced when journalists think about the way they re- against the Assad regime. port stories and make choices that promote the chance public and let them make their own decisions, rather lence—to never pour gasoline on an already blazing fire. than reporting in such a way that public opinion is However, the upheaval in Syria has left journalists ques- for peace. This differs from traditional journalism due to The Syrian government, through its Syrian Arab News skewed. These principles strongly adhere to the Radio tioning the wisdom of these traditional beliefs. the fact that peace journalists openly admit to writing Agency, has released several propaganda pieces decry- Television Digital News Association’s statement that with a bias toward peace. However, does this mean that ing what is says is the Western media’s biased agenda. journalists “recognize that service in the public interest Syria, and revolts last year during the code of ethics used by peace journalists differs in One such article on the agency’s creates an obligation to reflect the diversity of the com- the Arab Spring, present the ultimate some way from traditional journalism? Some may argue website said, “Political commenta- munity and guard against oversimplification of issues or dilemma for a peace journalist. This yes, but in my opinion, peace journalists adhere to the PJ Commentary tor Jonathan Steele criticized in events. (RTDNA, breed of journalist is dedicated to giv- same code of ethics as defined by traditional journal- an article in the British Guardian 2000). This line ing peacemakers a voice, avoiding inflammatory language ists, sometimes even more strictly than their traditional newspaper the foreign media coverage of the events tak- of traditional and sensational images, and framing stories so that they counterparts. PJ and Ethics ing place in Syria, accusing it of bias and suppressing the journalism code do not encourage violence. In the case of Syria, however, facts that "go against the dominant narrative about the According to the Stephen J. A. Ward in his article Ethics sounds a lot like a tip offered to peace journalists by even a peace journalist would have to acknowledge that Syrian crisis." Steele, the Guardian's former international in a Nutshell, “ethics asks what we should do in some Lynch and McGoldrick. They state, “avoid portraying a violence, even war, may be the only way to stop Assad’s affairs correspondent, said the western media coverage circumstance, or what we should do as participants conflict as consisting of only two parties contesting one murderous regime. has turned into "a propaganda weapon" against Syria as in some form of activity or profession” (Ward). Most goal … instead, a peace journalist would try to disaggre- all the key issues related to the popularity of President journalistic outlets have some sort of code of ethics gate the two parties into many smaller groups, pursuing So, under the circumstances, can a journalist, and espe- Bashar al-Assad, the Arab League observer mission and that their journalists can access to help determine their many goals, opening up more creative potential for a cially a peace journalist, sleep well at night knowing that the US military involvement have been "distorted in the actions. In comparing the code of ethics of traditional range of outcomes” (Lynch & McGoldrick, 2000). their coverage may be galvanizing the world to take up west's propaganda war…Most Syrians back President journalists to the principles of peace journalism, we arms against Assad and his thugs? Does a peace journalist Assad, but you'd never know from western media." can see that peace journalism follows every guide- Secondly, peace journalists are strong proponents of stop being a peace jour- (SANA, Jan. 18, 2012) line already in place in the journalism field. The Radio truth. An area listed in the code of ethics that sticks nalist if he is encourag- Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) offers a out as a key principle in peace journalism reads, “ ing violence, no matter Of course, this is fairly standard code of ethics which journalists should distortions that obscure the importance of events” how well intentioned? adhere to. This code cites the ethics of journalism as (RTDNA, 2000). Peace journalists avoid using words transparent propa- ganda. Yet, a perusal public trust, truth, fairness, integrity, independence that are not measurable, are demonizing, or otherwise One answer might of the BBC, New York and accountability (RTDNA, 2000). Each of these ethi- report stories out of context. When reporting events come from an examina- Times, and CNN would cal principles can be applied to the practice of peace taking place in war torn countries, peace journalists tion of coverage from confirm the propagan- journalism. adhere to only the facts to avoid these distortions. CNN and particularly dists’ central point— Anderson Cooper’s When discussing public trust, the RTDNA states, The third ethical principle, fairness, is one of the main that the agenda of show, AC360. The “professional … journalists should recognize that their constructs of peace journalism. By avoiding “accepting the Western media is program has featured a first obligation is to the public” (RTDNA, 2000). Peace stark distinctions between ‘self’ and ‘other,’” which can unquestionably anti- number of sensational, create an “us versus them” attitude, peace journalists Assad. brutal, bloody images aim to give every group an equal voice. This type of Julie Dolezilek, from Syria during the 21, is enrolled in journalism gives everyone a fair chance to have a voice, So, is the anti-Assad last several months. Peace Journalism class as well as gives its audience a fair chance to make their agenda undesirable, at One evocative image at Park University in own independent and well-informed choices about least in terms of journalistic ethics? was a video aired in March of a 2-year old boy who was Parkville, MO USA. troubling and emotional events. wounded by shrapnel. The boy’s family attempted to treat She is from Holton, In Journalism Ethics 101, we were told that we must al- him at a make-shift hospital, only to have him die in his Kansas, is a double Integrity, as defined by the RTDNA, maintains that ways report from a coldly objective standpoint. Certainly, major in journalism wailing father’s arms. It was hard to watch the video with- “journalists should present the news with integrity and if anything we ever wrote revealed a bias or agenda, we and PR, and writes decency, avoiding real or perceived conflicts of interest, out tearing up. and takes photos for were chastised by the old-school guardians of the profes- and respect the dignity and intelligence of the audience sion. If those gnarled old-schoolers were still around, the Stylus, Park’s Later on that same show, Cooper openly labeled Assad student newspaper. as well as the subjects of news” (RTDNA, 2000). they would undoubtedly admonish CNN and Cooper for Continued on Pg 20 and his regime liars for claiming that they were not attack- ing their own people. Continued on Pg 19 PJ April 2012 Page 18 PJ April 2012 Page 19

Swarthmore PJ course challenges students IREX From Pg 11 By Jim MacMillan • In Liberia, the October 2011 presidential elections were closely watched in the context of the post-conflict I first came to Swarthmore College in 2010 to advise the staff of War News Radio, a weekly public radio program that recovery and the potential for renewed violence. Through the USAID-funded Civil Society & Media Leadership Pro- primarily addressed aspects of American conflicts abroad that had been underreported. Its mission was to provide gram, IREX worked to support transparent, legitimate, and peaceful elections through a comprehensive effort with balanced and in-depth reporting, filling the gaps in other media coverage with historical perspectives and personal media and civil society in Liberia. “IREX and its civil society and media partners are striving to build elections aware- stories. ness and provide all Liberians with accurate, unbiased and non-partisan facts so that they may make their informed Seeing the reporters strive to practice solutions-oriented conflict journalism helped me prepare to teach the subject choices in peace and be a part of the country’s move towards stability and ever increasing prosperity,” the program last fall. The Peace and Conflict Journalism course is an intensive combination of theory, instruction and practice that director, Tilly Reed, said in the weeks before the election. enables students to begin reporting immediately while focusing on the dynamic relationship between journalism and conflict. It also focuses on the theory and practice of peace journalism as an alternative to the conventions and biases IREX aimed to prepare the media to effectively cover the elections by providing equipment and training to journal- of traditional war reporting. ists and media outlets and supporting the establishment of the Elections Reporting Center. The center, hosted by the Liberia Media Center, included VSAT internet, a call center and computers is a venue for day-to-day technical The course combines readings and discussions on peace and conflict studies and professional support in the use of ICTs and social media for elections reporting. It was a hub to monitor and PJ on campus -- including peace journalism theory -- with instruction on the fundamental report on media coverage of the elections across newspaper, urban-based radio, television and community-based principles and practices of journalism, multimedia production skills, content radio. The center hosted an Online Media Resources Clearinghouse for hosting results via social media sites and analysis and more. other related elections websites. After the elections, the website posted vote count results submitted via SMS by We rely heavily on journalists’ memoirs to relay the experience of reporting reporters from approximately 60% of the country’s 4,457 polling stations. The site had over 3 million hits in the days from conflict zones, but other readings address everything from the latest Jim MacMillan is the Journalist following the election. Because the site’s vote tally matched that of the National Election Commission, it also helped media industry news to spotting propaganda, journalism law and ethics, and in Residence at the Lang Center for to improve the “perceived” credibility of the NEC in the minds of the public. psychological trauma. Civic and Social Responsibility at The IERX program in Liberia also: Swarthmore College. He has been an • Established a mobile phone based platform to be used by the public and election monitors to report elec- Workshops address finding stories and sources, and pitching stories, as well Assistant Professor in Convergence tion related activities and issues. The system also texts civic education messages to people. as recording interviews on the phone and in the field, broadcast-style writing, Journalism at the University of Mis- • Supplied equipment to journalists including smartphones, digital recorders, cameras, and laptop computers. peer and more. Primary assignments include the completion of one souri, a Knight-Wallace Fellow at • Arranged mobile reporting through the purchase of an election reporting minivan and 60 motorcycles for public radio report and one multimedia report. Deadlines are scheduled for the University of Michigan and an journalists to maximize coverage reach. each stage from story pitches to final reports. Ochberg Fellow at the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. Previ- • Helped support a two-day conference on Media Ethics and Conflict Sensitive Elections Reporting. Guest speakers including international journalists have helped us to ously, MacMillan was the senior • Trained 200 community peace actors to promote a peaceful campaign and elections season through civic consider the rapidly transforming intersections of journalism and activism, photographer at the Philadelphia education, community forums, community theater and other platforms through CSML’s implementing partner, the transparency and traditional notions of objectivity, and user-generated Daily News and was the Baghdad Liberia Women Media Action committee (LIWOMAC). The peace actors organized live broadcast public forums on content with the democratization of distribution made possible by the Staff Photographer for the Associated the Liberia Women Democracy Radio. Internet. Press when the staff was honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking Students taking produced more than two dozen War News Radio reports last News Photography in 2005. Commentary: Syria From Pg 17 fall, addressing the rights and roles of women in Libya and Saudi Arabia, plus stories on veterans, war resisters, prisoner swaps, and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, straying from “the facts” and not balancing each report with a Syrian response, even if that Syrian response consists of among others. Several reports considered the relationship between the Arab bold lies wrapped in jingoistic propaganda. revolutions of 2011 and the Occupy movement in the U.S. The old-schoolers are wrong. Since “the facts” are often in dispute, a journalist’s role is to sort through all the data Meanwhile, the student staff of War News Radio -- not enrolled in the class and propaganda and decide what information one’s viewers and readers need to formulate an educated opinion about -- contributed stories including a critical look at the U.S withdrawal from Iraq, the subject. an introduction to the Lord’s Resistance Army in central Africa, and a series of reports on the economy of Afghanistan. During her last on-air interview a few hours before she was killed in Homs, journalist Marie Colvin and Anderson Cooper discussed their misgivings about coverage of the crisis in Syria. Cooper asked Colvin if she thought the bloody, Students taking Peace and Conflict Journalism this spring are reporting inflammatory coverage was a necessary evil. Colvin replied emphatically that the coverage was vitally important so on Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the ascendancy of a military leader in that the world could know and understand what’s happening to Syrians. Colvin died convinced that she and her col- Guatemala, benefits for Filipino veterans of World War II, and the plague of leagues in Syria were serving a greater good. Colvin was right. The aggressive anti-Assad media agenda does serve a femicides in Ciudad Juarez -- as well as urban education near Philadelphia and higher purpose—one designed to shorten and eventually end the suffering of the Syrian people. Feeding this agenda environmental justice in New York City. should make journalists, and particularly those dedicated to peace journalism, uncomfortable. Yet, the alternative— Homs ceaselessly burning and bleeding—is unthinkable. Continued on Pg 20 PJ April 2012 Page 20 PJ April 2012 Page 21 Gandhi-Peace Journalist from Pg 3 From Pg 18 Gandhi constructively used journalism as a vehicle of his political activism. However, the movement stretched beyond On campus the political realm and entailed the striving for dignity and self-respect. It brought about elemental transformation in The class meets at the Lang major and only one other journalism the socio-political frame of the Indian community. Center for Civic and Social course, but is home to a vibrant Responsibility at Swarthmore’s student media community including Today journalism is a tool to create an ever expanding of revenue, but for Gandhi, who had very different campus near Philadelphia. We a weekly campus newspaper, a daily goals, revenue was always more of a spiritual return. Always a social and humanitarian crusader, Gandhi’s underlying train and workshop in Lodge 6, campus news site and now Lodge 6. journalistic concerns were with the living conditions of the poorest of the poor. He believed in living frugally to the which has been home to War point of excess. In his book Small is beautiful , E.F. Schumacher points out how Gandhi rejected Western urbaniza- News Radio since its inception in Lodge 6 is open to all Swarthmore tion and mass production in favour of a more traditional labor intensive approach. Even his approach to circulation 2005. students and will focus on the latest of his paper was unique-rather than depending on advertisements as a source of revenue, he advocated copying and practices, including social media Lodge 6, Swarthmore campus circulating of papers.4 Gandhi’s approach to journalism was totally devoid of ambitions. To him it was not a vocation to Next, we are launching Lodge6. journalism, actively sharing the earn his livelihood. It was a means to serve the public. org, a student journalism incubator reporting process with extended sent a recorder along on a trip with supporting independent reporting communities, as well as strategic an American aid worker. Perhaps projects across a broadened content distribution, search engine Gandhi as a peace journalist unsurprisingly for a college with Gandhi, in a journalistic career spanning nearly four decades, used journalism as tool of social reformation and build- spectrum of topics and media, optimization, and community a rich Peace and Conflict Studies but never to the exclusion of engagement. ing peace in India. As a journalist Gandhi took the subjects which could only be used for peace building among the program -- and Quaker roots people. In Gandhi’s concern the main objectives of journalism are: A. Understand popular opinion and give expression conflict or radio. Although we have -- we can identify a preexisting suspended the weekly program, Early Lodge 6 projects include a to it; B. Arouse desirable sentiments among the people and C. Fearlessly expose popular defects. series of video reports on a tent peace journalism tradition, but we still produce and distribute formalizing the pursuit within the city in New Jersey; interviews with Gandhi used journalism as a tool for avoiding the escalation of conflicts in every time. As a country like India with -dif individual reports under the War curriculum is helping to clarify, American activists who were detained ferences in each and every community, the chance of violence is inevitable. Gandhi’s experiences both in South Africa News Radio banner. organize and advance ideal in Bahrain; and an audio diary from and in India convinced him that violence could only be ended by unilateral acts of kindness. For avoiding the Hindu- practices. Swarthmore offers no journalism Kurdistan, produced by a student who Muslim conflict he advised both parties to understand the situation, and the language of Gandhi reveals the inner power within him. For instance he dedicated the entire issue of Young India dated may 24, 1924 to write a lengthy ar- ticle on Hindu-Muslim tension, its causes and cure. In the article, he used sober language to express his feelings while Ethics from Pg 16 advising the two parties to resist from the temptation of resorting to violence and see reason in the situation.5 In times of conflict, peace journalists have many opportunities to show integrity while reporting the news. Extremely Furthermore, peace journalism seeks involvement of people to reduce tensions between warring factions. In the graphic events and images happen every day during a war, but the way they are reported can either show integrity or Gandhian approach, Gandhi understood the involvement of the people would be useful to solve communal riots. the lack thereof on the part of the journalist. Although violence must be portrayed in the media, the extent to which Thus, he suggested a formation of a peace brigade to reduce frequent conflicts by prescribing a code of conduct to the it is brutally portrayed shows the ethics and integrity of a journalist. Peace journalists strive to report these events in members of the peace brigade. In Harijan (June 18, 1936) he wrote, “Some Reference a way that explains the event but does not overly inflame the situation. time ago I suggested the formation of a peace brigade whose members would risk their lives in dealing with riots, especially communal. The idea was that 1. Vilanilam v. John, Mass Com- Journalists should “defend the independence of all journalists from those seeking influence or control over news this brigade should substitute (for) the police and even the military. This reads munication in India: A Sociologi- content” (RTDNA, 2000). Lynch and McGoldrick also state that journalists should avoid reporting what falls into the ambitious. The achievement may prove impossible. Yet if the congress is to cal Perspective, Sage, category of propaganda. Two of the tips they offer urge peace journalists to take care when reporting government succeed in its non-violent struggle, it must develop the power to deal peace- 05-Nov-2005. actions and the opinions of government leaders. These tips read, “avoid making an opinion or claim seem like an fully with such situation”. These writings clearly shows that how Gandhi used 2. Narayan, R.k, My days autobi- established fact” and “avoid greeting the signing of documents by leaders, which bring about military victory or cease his words for peace building. fire, as necessarily creating peace.” In addition to these tips, peace journalists should refuse to simply act as a channel ography, Indian thought publica- or means for the government to spread their opinions and propaganda. tion 2006 Writing about the Indian Opinion, Gandhi said, “It was never intended to be 3. Iyenkar sudarshan, Gandhi was a commercial concern. So long as it was under my control, the changes in the The last principle listed in the Radio Television Digital News Association is accountability. In this area, peace journal- a great journalist, http://www. journal were indicative of changes in my life...I cannot recall a word in those ism may well surpass traditional journalism. A main tenant of peace journalism is to take into account the effect that gujaratglobal.com articles set down without thought or deliberation, or a word of conscious journalism can have. Peace journalists examine the consequences of their reporting before it is published, avoiding 4. Neelima, p, fantastic features, exaggeration, or anything merely to please. Indeed the journal became for writing that can incite violence or further worsen a conflict. In this way, peace journalism is accountable to the public. http://dhvani.co.in. me training in self-restraint, and for friends a medium through which to keep 5. Murthy, D.V.R, Gandhian jour- After examining the elements of a traditional code of ethics used by journalists across the board, it is easy to deter- in touch with my thoughts.” 6 If we can practice peace journalism effectively, nalism is it relevant today, Kan- mine that peace journalism follows all accepted ethical practices of journalism. Although many still argue that peace then the role of journalist is prominent. The above statement of Gandhi clearly ishka publication, New Delhi. journalism should not be practiced for reasons such as bias and objectivity, it is apparent that ethics should not be mentioning the character and morality of a journalist is most important. And a 6. Gandhi, M.K, Satyagarha in included in such debates. journalist can work effectively if he can express and apply his soul through his South Africa, Navajivan words. publishing house. PJ April 2012 Page 22 PJ April 2012 Page 23 Iraqis learn conflict sensitive reporting Iraq from Pg 24 By Benoite Martin Further, participants were requested to design and implement a change Until 2003, the Baath Party owned and controlled all news agencies in Iraq in a unique aim to relay State propa- project that would mark their direct ganda. contribution to efforts of peace-build- ing and reconciliation in Iraq. A partici- After 2003 and following the fall of the former re- pant filmed a documentary about the gime, Iraq witnessed the emergence of new opportuni- violence which occurred in 2005-2006 ties for media with the creation of numerous newspa- between two districts of Baghdad and pers and satellite channels. However, many agencies analyzed efforts made by local lead- were set up to support political parties’ propaganda ers to resolve the conflict and achieve and very few outlets proved to be independent. As a reconciliation. Another participant result, media has played an active part in exacerbating documented the protests occurring in violent conflict in Iraq. Baghdad in Spring 2011 and organized a caricature exhibition highlighting There are large needs the demands of the people to which PJ in Iraq for capacity building officials were invited. in Iraq of media out- (Above, below, opposite): ISAN seminar teaches conflict sensitive journalism lets and journalists to One participant from Baghdad in Iraq. ensure that principles of independence and impartial- illustrated the impact that the train- ity are sustained and to improve quality of reporting. It is as well important to raise an understanding towards the role ing had on his work. Before taking that media can play in exacerbating conflict and towards the possibilities for the media to provide new communica- part to the training, when covering tion channels and platforms leading to dialogue and peace-building. a violent event, he used to seek for elements in his report that would help INSAN Iraqi Society is a national non-governmental organization which seeks to build peace in Iraq through building the reader to indirectly identify the peace capacities of individuals and the civil society at large. groups responsible for the actions. In April 2011, he covered the occurrence Besides working with communities and political leadership, the NGO has been working with journalists in Iraq, build- of a car bomb in a district of Baghdad. ing their capacity to better understand how media often fuels violence across Iraq and foresee the role that He reported at the local hospital and media could play in fostering dialogue and understanding between conflicting illustrated the discussion occurring be- Benoite Martin is Expatriate parties. tween two religious leaders belonging Consultant and Representative of to two different confessions in order INSAN’s Beirut office. INSAN Iraqi In 2010 and 2011, with the support of the United States Institute of Peace to promote community cohesion. Society is a non-governmental, non (USIP), INSAN Iraqi Society trained 20 journalists working in the governorates profit and non religious organization Since late 2011, INSAN Iraqi Society working in the field of development, of Baghdad and Diyala in conflict-sensitive journalism. After discussing how has started working with journalists humanitarian aid and social action. Iraqi media is fuelling violent conflict, participants learnt basics of the charac- INSAN aims at relieving the suffering teristics of conflict and techniques to manage conflict. They looked closely at from the city of Kirkuk. Kirkuk is an of Iraqi people, dedicating its services the language that is being used in reporting and how media can be a platform oil-rich city disputed by the Iraqi and in particular to vulnerable persons, introducing different points of views and illustrating positive and peaceful Kurdish Government in which tensions victims of conflict, poverty and poor initiatives. Many practical exercises were conducted with the trainees so amongst its mixed communities are representation, especially women and they could apply their newly acquired skills. The training was provided by an rising as pressures to determine the internally displaced persons. INSAN experienced trainer from Lebanon, working with the organization Al Maharra, status of the city escalated. is dedicated to spreading social and which has developed its own conflict-sensitive journalism training manual. cultural awareness in Iraqi Society, The 26 participants are currently promoting a culture of Human Rights in the course of designing change and Fair Participation, and introduc- Following the theoretical training, the journalists were followed during a 6 projects and have proved to be a ing concepts of democratization, months period and received ‘on-the-job’ training during which their media tolerance and peace building. reports were reviewed by an experienced editor. great asset to promote the peace- building work conducted by the NGO Continued on Pg 23 in the city. The program is support by UNESCO-Iraq Office. PJ April 2012 Page 24 The Peace Journalist

Peace and conflict sensitive journalism links: Contact: INSAN-Iraq Steven Youngblood http://www.insaniraq.org/index.html Director IREX Center for Global www.irex.org Peace Journalism Mahatma Gandhi University, Park University School of Gandhian Thought 8700 NW River Park Dr. http://mgu.ac.in/index.php?option=com_content&view Parkville, MO 64152 USA =article&id=287&Itemid=511 (816) 584-6321 Common Ground News Service Email: http://www.commongroundnews.org/index.php Center for Global Peace Journalism steve.youngblood@ http://www.park.edu/peacecenter park.edu Peace Journalism Resources site Twitter: http://captain.park.edu/syoungblood/pjresources.htm Peace Journalism -Steven Youngblood @PeaceJourn http://stevenyoungblood.blogspot.com Institute for Economics and Peace Facebook: http://economicsandpeace.org/ Peace Journalism group War News Radio-Swarthmore College http://warnewsradio.org/

NEXT ISSUE: OCTOBER 2012 FEATURES: +Kenya: Combating election violence with Peace Journalism +U.S.: Global Peace Journalism Center launch event-September, 2012 +Peace Journalism and Forgiveness