In countries affected by conflict and human insecurity media has an important role to play as an active promoter of human rights and democratisation, peace, dialogue and conflict resolution through the gathering of complete non-partisan information, says a press release.
Journalism sensitive to conflict empowers reporters to report conflicts professionally without feeding the flames. To report credible and unbiased information to the public in a time of violent conflict requires additional journalism skills and a deeper understanding of what causes conflict, how it develops and ends. Reporters must know where to look for solutions and crucially, they must be aware of media’s role and the responsibility that follows with this in times of conflict.
In light of increasing global conflicts and the Rohingya population in Bangladesh it is essential that journalists should have better understanding on conflict sensitive journalism. It is necessary to consider the role of media in conflict more seriously. Journalists need to know their roles for a balanced, credible and free and fair reporting.
However, journalists face many challenges while reporting on the Rohingya issue. The challenges are steeper when it comes to covering yet similar other such conflict sensitive issues, especially in achieving the objectives, neutrality and authenticity.
In view of this Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communications (BNNRC) with support from Internews organized a Round Table on Conflict Sensitive Journalism: Challenges and Way Forward in Chattogram, at Hotel Avenue. Journalists from print, electronic and online media attended the workshop .
The aim of the Round Table was to enhance an atmosphere in media house for reporting s and knowledge in conflict situation so that journalists could produce more responsible, accurate, balanced and credible news.
Senior journalists including, Editor, Associate Editor, Joint Editor, News Editor, Chief Reporter, Bureau Chief, Academicians and Senior Representatives of Bangladesh Betar and Television attend the Round Table Discussion.
A H M Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive officer of BNNRC in his remarks said, “With support from Internews we have organized the Round Table on Conflict Sensitive Journalism and this discussion would create a positive impact in the field of journalism.
Senior journalists including Associate Editor, Assistant Editor, Bureau Chief, News Editor, chief reporters, academicians attended the program. Prof Dr S M Shamim Reza of Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University moderated the Round Table.
