The Complicated Role of Media in Conflict

The Making of Atrocities: Is Racism a Risk Factor?

In this episode, we interrogate the incredible impact that media has on the way we understand conflicts around the world. At its best, the media fosters informed public discourse and contributes to public understanding. It can also help hold governments and other actors accountable for their actions during conflict. But we cannot deny the downsides of media today as well. Media can blend opinion and fact, be used as a tool for propaganda, or even fuel, incite, and justify atrocity crimes. Our expert guests guide us on how best to address these challenges, navigate these complexities, and contribute positively to conflict resolution efforts, advocating for responsible and ethical journalism.

Guests:

Heba Aly is a multimedia journalist who spent a decade reporting from conflict zones in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. She’s worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the Christian Science Monitor, Bloomberg News and currently, she is the CEO of The New Humanitarian, an independent nonprofit news organization.

Jamira Burley is an award-winning activist and international speaker. Currently, she is the Director of Social Impact North America for adidas and founder of IAMHERETO, working at the intersection of community, impact investments, and philanthropy.

Resources:

• Junk News: Heba Aly: Stop eating junk news | TED Talk
• How media can contribute to atrocities: The New Humanitarian | Media coverage of Israel and Gaza is rife with deadly double standards
• Global Media Ethics Code: Missteps in Gaza coverage spur push for a global code of media ethics » Nieman Journalism Lab (niemanlab.org)
• Decolonised journalism: The New Humanitarian | We’re thinking about ways we can decolonise our journalism — and we need your help
• Building media literacy: Home - The Trust Project
• Media that are run by / for African Americans:
  • Capital B: Capital B News
  • MLK 50: MLK50: Justice Through Journalism | Memphis, Tennessee
• Reporting on peace:
  • TNH series: The New Humanitarian | Reporting from the front lines of peace
  • War Stories Peace Stories