News Media as Mediators

Abstract:     
Journalism thrives on conflict, a classic “news value” that makes an event worthy of coverage. As a result, the normal routines of reporters and editors tend to emphasize combative themes. News coverage may even escalate conflict. Still, journalism has played a role in some historic moments in conflict resolution, and an emerging group of journalism scholars and practitioners are exploring the further potential of journalism in promoting peace. This paper compares the role of the journalist to that of the mediator, noting that each one is a third-party neutral with access to both sides of a dispute.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 18

Keywords: conflict, conflict resolution, journalism, mediation

Accepted Paper Series