Connecting to the world with peace journalism
Editor's Note:
Global Ties Kansas City "develops sustainable international relationships and
personalizes global diplomacy" by connecting Kansas Citians to visitors from around the world. Toward this end, they are launching an initiative called DiverseKC that will capture stories about how KC is connected to the world. They have asked me to write a blog about my experiences teaching peace journalism worldwide. That blog is below.
About 12 years ago, while I was teaching on a Fulbright
Scholarship in Azerbaijan, the U.S. Embassy called and asked if I knew anything
about peace journalism. and if I would be interested in teaching a peace
journalism seminar in neighboring Georgia. Of course, I gushed, “I am
practically an expert on peace journalism.” When I got off the phone, I Googled
peace journalism.
That phone call turned out to be one of the most
serendipitous moments of my professional life.
In the years since, I have taught peace journalism in 27
countries face-to-face, and another 12 virtually.* We launched a Center forGlobal Peace Journalism at Park University in 2012, and have published 20
issues of The Peace Journalist, the world’s only magazine dedicated to peace
journalism.
What is Peace Journalism?
Peace journalism (PJ) is when "editors and reporters
make choices that improve the prospects for peace. These choices, including how
to frame stories and carefully choosing which words are used, create an
atmosphere conducive to peace and supportive of peace initiatives and
peacemakers, without compromising the basic principles of good journalism.
Peace journalism gives peacemakers a voice while making peace initiatives and
non-violent solutions more visible and viable."
PJ is just better journalism—journalism that builds
bridges instead of deepening divisions; reporting that gives a voice to the voiceless
while rejecting inflammatory language; storytelling that offers
counternarratives to traditional reporting that oversimplifies and stereotypes.
At minimum, peace journalists don’t pour gasoline on the fire, and don’t make a
bad situation worse.
PJ in Action
Peace journalism, while not in the majority, constitutes
an increasing minority of reporting worldwide.
In Uganda, where I’ve done a number of PJ projects, peace
journalists have launched the Refugees and Migration Media Network, which uses
peace journalism reporting techniques to tell the story of the many refugees
who call Uganda home.
In India and Pakistan, I’m working on an ongoing project sponsored by the East-West Center with journalists from India and Pakistan who have set aside their differences to work collaboratively on stories of mutual interest. They’ve launched a website, Journalists for Change, that is “dedicated to stories that inform, inspire, and engage our communities in both countries; focus on common issues that unite us rather than divide us; and offer solutions, not just describe problems.”
Peace Journalist magazine
PJ activities around the world are chronicled in the
Peace Journalist Magazine, which published its 20th edition last fall. The most
recent edition, for example, features stories on media narratives about
refugees in Turkey; Giving voice to senior citizens in Spain; Empowering Yemeni
youth to raise their voices; Rotary Peace Center PJ seminars for Zimbabwe
journalists; and Media and women in Pakistan and India.
Conclusion
While I am gratified that PJ seems to be gaining
traction, I acknowledge the uphill battle PJ faces in gaining broader
acceptance. Both here in the U.S. and abroad, as media practice and public
discourse deteriorates, the struggle for better reporting is one worth having.
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