Examining Peace-Oriented Media in Areas of Violent Conflict

Abstract

While the relationship between war and media is examined in literature, the cases of the positive use of mass communication channels in the reconciliation of post-conflict societies are virtually unknown. The goal of this study is to respond to the gap in literature by examining theoretical evidence and practical case studies describing media promotion of peace across the world. As a result, a total of 40 media projects in 18 countries are documented and two case studies are examined in detail. Initial lessons from the practical projects in conjunction with historical developments of media in wars suggest that the current practice would benefit from: integration of all available media channels and practices, incorporation of media into other social institutions and processes and regulation of hate media as well as production of peace-oriented media.

Social media and visual framing of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine

“…However, at a time of conflict, frames become particularly significant because they determine how the cause of strife is understood and what is thought to be the appropriate response (Hammond, 2007: 18). Because of its potency, however, the use of frames can have a profound impact on the course of conflict: in some cases, as Bratic (2008) argues, it can contribute to the peaceful transformation of strife by promoting reconciliation and diminishing hostilities, whereas in others, as Hamelink (2008) points out, a particular selection of frames can motivate people to engage in more violence and impede de-escalating behaviour.…”

Exploring military social work from a social justice perspective

“…It has been argued that unrestricted media accounts of war can undermine public support. As a result, there has been a trend toward limiting access to information on armed conflicts worldwide; thus, the realities of war are increasingly restricted from the general public (Bratic, 2008). Moreover, the current portrayals of high-tech weaponry may create a general impression that war can be swift and its aftereffects easily remedied (Van Der Linden, 2009).…”

Ethnic Coexistence in Deeply Divided Societies: The Case of Arab Athletes in the Hebrew Media

“…Various scholars have emphasized the role of the media in achieving successful and viable coexistence (Bar‐Tal ; Ben‐Ari ; Salomon ; Bratić ; Haider ). According to Bar‐Tal (), coexistence education must be spread through the media and the political discourse to create a culture of peace.…”