This document
emphasises the vital role the media can
play in Conflict Resolution and Peace
Making globally, nationally and locally.
It aims to support journalists in new
and rewarding career paths, where their
unique contribution to problem-solving
is recognised and embraced.
Journalists benefit from having a
conflict-resolving approach to their
work. This approach enhances the
consumer's interest in media reporting
and analysis. Cynicism and
disenchantment about the media can be
overcome with a conflict-resolving
approach.
There is little doubt of the need for
Conflict Resolution in the media. The
rapidity of profound political, social
and environmental change leaves
societies in massive and unresolved
conflict, while at hand is the
under-utilised resource of the media,
whose help is too seldom sought.
Key moves for the media person
Media may need to go
beyond the fact-deliverers and find the
conflict-resolving "talent". Sometimes,
with Conflict Resolution prompting,
conflict participants can be transformed
into conflict-resolving partners. Give
it a go!
There are four key moves that media as
mediators can make.
1. Clarify:
the facts, the players,
the positions, the issues.
2. Explore Options:
developed by all the
players and from the journalists
themselves as they unfold the whole
picture.
3. Move to the Positive:
Ask questions like:
"What would it take to solve this problem?"
What is it that you
do want?"
"What would make it
better?"
"What would make you
willing?"
4. Go Back
to Legitimate Needs and Concerns:
Ask" "What do you need?"
"Why is that important to you?"
or "Tell me why that seems the best option to
you?"
"What would having it
do for you?"
"Are you meaning here
that you need.....?" (use this question
to test your assumption)
"Are there
alternatives that would also satisfy
you?"
Awards for CR Journalism
In 1978, The Conflict
Resolution Network, then a Peace Program
of the United Nations Association of
Australia, initiated Media Peace Awards,
given annually in print, radio and
television to those media persons and
teams whose work during the preceding
year made the greatest contribution to
the Resolution of Conflict.
Among award winners
have been some of the most high-powered
and esteemed journalists, demonstrating
that Conflict Resolution can be the
province of success and recognition.
Past recipients have
included Robyn Williams, John Pilger,
Bob Hawke and Caroline Jones.
For information and/or
nomination forms contact UNAA (VIC), PO
Box 1112, North Fitzroy VIC 3068,
Australia, phone 61 3 9482-3655, fax 61
3 9482-5118. |
Bronwyn
Ritchie's
