Moldovans examine media polarization and the PJ solution
Media around the world exacerbate divisions within societies—religious, political, ethnic, economic, etc. What can be done to mitigate these effects?

This question was central to a discussion I had with about 40 colleagues on Sunday (via zoom) in Chisinau, Moldova at a seminar titled, "Democracy and Good Governance in Moldova," sponsored by the Institute for European Political Studies in Moldova (EISPM). Moldovan journalist Vitale Calgareanu (Deutsche Welle news service) also spoke after my presentation. 

My talk, titled “Polarized media and the peace journalism solution,” used as exhibit A partisan media narratives about the pandemic and the George Floyd protests and how these have further driven a wedge between Americans. I cited two conflicting studies that examined European media coverage and polarization. One study found “yet little evidence to support the idea that increased exposure to news featuring like-minded or opposing views leads to the widespread polarization of attitudes,” while conceding that there are wide country-to-country differences in polarizing media. A second study, however, showed “many indicators” of European polarization while finding that “social media seem to contribute to the process of polarization (such as through echo chambers and filter bubbles that reinforce people’s existing beliefs and reduce their exposure to opposing perspectives).” 

In a country where media are divided into Romanian and Russian language outlets like Moldova, polarization is almost built in, I said. Further exacerbating the polarization is the frozen conflict wherein a breakaway region of Moldova called Transnistria has set up their own government and is supported but not officially recognized by Russia. (No countries recognize Transnistria as an in independent nation). This sets up two very different partisan narratives about the frozen conflict, one from the Russia/Transnistria side, and the other from the Moldovan/pro-EU side.

I said that the solution to media fueled polarization is peace journalism, which rejects ‘us vs. them’ reporting and instead seeks to balance stories, build bridges, and give a ‘voice to the voiceless’ across groups. PJ, I mentioned, would offer counternarrative reporting from and about each side in the conflict.

A lively Q&A followed the session. Question included how to keep journalists independent of financial supporters (I talked about the traditional wall in US media between the advertising and editorial/news sides of the operation); and if media should advocate for social causes (I said report, yes, advocate, no since advocates cross the line and are no longer journalists).

It was wonderful visiting again with my Moldovan colleagues, especially EISPM director Dr. Viorel Cibotaru . My first Fulbright was in Moldova in 2001, and I have visited there many times since to teach, though not for about 5 years. I eagerly await my next invitation to beautiful Chisinau.