New handbook guides Myanmar media in conflict coverage
The printing of a compromising photo, the uncritical use of opinion, rumours and fact or the use of offensive language, could mean the difference between bridging divides or fueling hostilities further. The handbook on Conflict Sensitive Journalism for Myanmar journalists, launched on 15 October, is a practical and educational guide that provides Myanmar journalists with tools to cover conflict professionally.
“The broadened space for press freedom in Myanmar that has accompanied political reform places new demands on Myanmar media in their coverage of conflict in the country,” said Soe Myint, editor in chief of the news organisation Mizzima Media and one of the authors of the report.
The handbook sets out rules of good journalism and provides case studies on how to employ conflict sensitive journalism in contexts that are transferrable to a Myanmar context. The many unresolved internal conflicts in Myanmar are complex and rooted in historical, economic, cultural, structural, social and political grievances. According to the authors, Myanmar media must understand the multiple facets of the conflicts they are reporting on, whether it is a land dispute, a religious conflict or an ethnic disturbance.
“Alongside the broadened space for press freedom that has accompanied reforms, Myanmar media now have a unique opportunity to support the peace processes in our country through conflict sensitive and balanced reporting. Media can play an essential role in mediating and enhancing trust between the various entities through balanced coverage and factual reporting,” said U Aung Naing Oo, Associate Program Director, Peace Dialogue Program of the Myanmar Peace Center.
More than 400 Myanmar journalists across the country have gone through training in conflict sensitive journalism over the past two years carried out by International Media Support in collaboration with the Myanmar Peace Center and Mizzima.
“We must not underestimate the roles and responsibilities of Myanmar media in supporting the fragile peace process and enabling dialogue,” said Lars Bestle, Head of Department for Asia.
“Editors and journalists must constantly be aware that the choices they make on what stories to print, what photos to run and what voices to represent in their media can have consequences for the parties involved.”
The Conflict Sensitive Journalism Handbook – Myanmar edition (September 2014) is available for download here and in hard copy from Myanmar Media Library (MML) in Yangon. For more information, contact MML Chairman U Myo Min Htike (+959254314803) or Ko Ye Wint Hlaing (+95973047273). The handbook is based on a 2003 Conflict Sensitive Journalism handbook by Ross Howard.
