Conflict

Introduction

Media's role in providing information and shaping public opinion about conflict can be crucial, and is continually vexing. Especially when strife is driven by stereotypical group perceptions that are too easily manipulated on the basis of historical fears or prejudices, a professional and fair media can challenge both fixed beliefs and rumours that may spark or sustain cycles of violence. During interstate conflicts, even "mature" media in the most established democracies often exhibit chauvinistic and jingoistic bias. And media may dampen or fan incendiary situations during domestic strife. The notion that unbiased information is effective in reducing conflict is the foundation for many media interventions. Civic education, voter education, conflict resolution, peace-building, and human rights campaigns utilising various media have been undertaken in many countries to promote tolerance and respect amongst communities. Yet media is but one of a complex constellation of factors that contribute to causing or ameliorating conflict. Isolating media impact as a causal factor is a difficult challenge.