Practicing PJ requires overcoming many obstacles
I recently
received this email from a journalist who attended a PJ workshop I ran a few
months ago in Pristina, Kosovo.
“I would like to ask your opinion on the following matter: the concept of Peace Journalism really resounded with me and I adhere to its principles ever since I understood them during our course. However, as a young journalist in socio-political topics, I am finding it very challenging to submit my articles as pitches especially if they are connected to the Russia-Ukraine situation, to editors (both Western-based and exiled Russians due to their political views), because it lacks harsh criticism and demonisation of central figures discussed in the article.
However, as we discussed at length during our lectures, succumbing to the pressures of editors is also not the best option. Therefore I would very much be interested in your suggestions about any socially-responsible magazines or websites you might know of, where I can submit my pitches, which welcome PJ positioned articles.”
Here is my reply:
“This is a tough question.
From an international news standpoint, your best bets might be the Guardian,
BBC, and al Jazeera, any of which is, at least occasionally, receptive to the
kind of reporting you talk about.
On your local level, I unfortunately don't have the expertise in the Balkans to adequately advise you. This is why I have copied (local colleagues in the region) who I believe can provide you better guidance as you seek local media for publishing.
For what it's worth, your situation is not uncommon. If you have a good relationship with the editors and managers at publications that you work with, perhaps share with them the info I presented on peace journalism, in hopes of educating them. You could also offer to hold a short workshop for the editors and staff at these media houses about peace journalism. (I would be happy to join you by zoom, if that helps). Thanks for your note. I hope that this provides some useful guidance.”
As my reply indicates, editors and publishers need training, too that educates them about the benefits of peace journalism, including the little understood fact that audiences prefer peace journalism stories (studies by Jake Lynch and Wilhelm Kempf ) and solutions approaches in the news that they consume. (Dr. Galtung, PJ’s founder, was talking about solutions in reporting decades before there was any solutions journalism movement).
Peace journalism can be a
tough sell. We can make it easier by spending more energy targeting news
decision makers.
