Sri Lanka’s National Television Station the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) has initiated a three-day workshop on the theme ‘Journalism in Conflict Settings.’ The main objectives of this workshop are to evaluate the decisive role media can play in conflict reporting, to i dentify and discuss causes of social conflict, outline strategies for resolving or transforming conflict, describe concepts of ‘news frame’ and ‘agenda setting,’ present strategies for reporting on conflicts using news frames of possible conflict resolutions and i dentify ways of reporting that promote conflict prevention.

The role of media as a public opinion maker is vital in conflict situations – the media has tremendous potential in changing the course of a conflict through the way it chooses to report on the conflict. It can either aggravate the conflict or constructively educate and inform the public, which would have a positive impact on working towards consensus and a peaceful settlement.

The workshop is aimed at promoting responsible journalism, drawing on experiences from countries that have been or are still facing conflict situations.

Modern ethics in reporting on conflicts require journalists to weigh carefully, the way they frame their accounts and to concern themselves with how their reports might affect the dynamics of conflicts. This means that journalists should consider how their stories might be understood by their audiences—will they be more inclined to be part of the conflict as a result of receiving news, or will they be more likely to favor resolution? This reflective process is probably a good one for all types of stories, but this approach is critical in reporting on events where violence is a possibility.

The workshop covers a gamut of areas which includes identifying causes of a conflict, role of civil society, civic journalism, conflict resolution, negotiating in a conflict, media and conflict, strategies of covering a conflict, ‘peace journalism’ approach, culture and cultural values, journalism and conflict prevention, and practical issues in conflict reporting. It also helps the media personnel develop investigative, explanatory and specialist reporting as well as well-informed analytical reporting.

Prof. Drew McDaniel, Director, Centre for South East Asia Studies, Ohio University, USA, and Prof. Nancy McDaniel, USA who have a wealth of experience in the field of conflict resolution and role of media are the chief resource persons.