Journalists and conflict reporting

Award winning journalist Ross Howard argues in his handbook Conflict Sensitive Journalism that it's through good reporting that conflict is reduced. But what is the role and responsibilities of journalists in conflict reporting?

Even if the primary goal of conflict reporting shouldn't be to solve the actual dilemma, Ross Howard says it's "through neutral and impartial reporting, journalists make the public far more well-informed about the conflict beneath the violence, and can assist in resolving it".

Although not all conflicts are violent, when we speak of conflict, we usually refer to violent disagreements where people fear for their safety and survival.

Howard believes that there are several elements of conflict resolution that good journalists can deliver, automatically, and as part of their daily work; channelling communication, educating, correcting misperceptions, identifying underlying interests and acting as an emotional outlet are some of them.

The challenges of good journalism

Good, professional and impartial journalism is difficult work at the best of times.

The relevant information can be very hard to access, and the constant time pressure and deadlines are imminent.

A violent conflict challenges neutral and constructive journalism even more. Censorship, limited access, propaganda and of course personal risk, can make the job incredibly difficult, but also even more important.

There’s always a tough balancing act knowing when to report on a conflict and when not to. The report itself might put innocent people at risk. But the biggest danger of all is lack of information.

With sufficient information, the public and victims of the conflict can withstand propaganda and misperception in a much stronger way.

And the fact that the conflict is being reported on to the outside world, might create invaluable confidence-building support that can play a crucial role in solving it.