Rumbek media professionals learn conflict-sensitive reporting

3 Jul 2015

Rumbek media professionals learn conflict-sensitive reporting

2 July 2015 - A two-day training workshop aimed at equipping journalists with skills and knowledge to report responsibly during conflicts ended today in the Lakes State capital Rumbek.

A total of 13 media professionals from different media houses attended the training, which was organized by UNICEF and non-governmental organization Search for Common Ground (SFCG).

“We want journalists to be mindful, produce balanced stories and create a platform for the voiceless, so that their views will be part of solutions,” said SFCG Acting Country Director Kenneth Ganna-Conteh.

To gain a deeper understanding of conflict and violence, participants discussed different types of violence, as well as causes and stages of conflict.

SFCG Media Coordinator Daniel Lasuba explained that there were four stages of conflict -- namely, the latent, open, violent and the resolution phases.

He stressed the need for journalists to report on any underlying issues during the latent stage of conflict and bring them to light before things could turn violent.

On the second day of training, media professionals focused on conflict-sensitive reporting.

“We have learned that as a journalist you shouldn’t just report facts, but must also put them into context,” said Good News Radio presenter Theresa Akol Diak. “Also, as journalists we have to bring together people who can work towards solutions.”

During a discussion on journalists’ safety when reporting during conflicts, participants received tips on how to avoid dangerous situations.

“Your life is more important than the story you are going to cover,” stressed Mr. Lasuba.

The workshop is part of a 14-month project titled “Communicating for Peace in South Sudan: A Social and Behaviour Change Communication Initiative”.

“We have conducted trainings in Juba and Bor (and) this is the third (training),” said Mr. Ganna-Conteh. “Our main partner is the Catholic Radio Network, but we also work with other radio stations and journalists. We are providing capacity building, producing youth radio programmes and are working on a radio drama with Bakhita Radio in Juba.”