April 27, 2005

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa/GENEVA – A group of media practitioners attending the Second Inter-Faith Action for Peace in Africa (IFAPA) Summit near Johannesburg, April 21-25, have agreed to form a network of media persons working in an inter-faith context to promote peace reporting in Africa and beyond.

During a panel presentation on the role of media in the context of inter-faith action for peace in Africa, the journalists representing East, North, South and West Africa, as well as Europe and North America, gave their respective regional perspectives. They focused on media ownership and its impact on dissemination of news about conflict, and the challenges and risks of reporting in a conflict situation. They also reflected on how different forms of media could be used to instigate, prevent or resolve conflict, and the role of local and international media in conflict resolution and peace building

International media, one of the panelists pointed out, played an important role in reporting the captivating news "which does good in drawing the world's attention and response" especially to a calamity. However, it was less likely that they would follow up on the less captivating information that may be vital for long-term recovery. Local media, he added, were vital for conflict resolution and peace building.

Any media, whether privately or publicly owned could be used to fuel or resolve conflict, the panelists noted. However, media ethics entailed seeking the truth, maintaining independence and minimizing harm. They stressed the role of a journalist was to report objectively on all events.

One of the concerns raised was how much freedom a journalist could exercise in his or her line of duty. It was felt that while media face several challenges as dialogue facilitators, mediators, watchdogs and as a platform for debate, it was up to the individual journalist to choose what to report on.

The media practitioners called on religious leaders to recognize media's complementary role in realizing peace in Africa and beyond. Opening up to media, the journalists argued, would minimize prejudice about them, and help the public appreciate and even contribute to the commendable work that several faith-based organizations are carrying out.

An example was cited of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Department for World Service (DWS) program in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. An open approach toward media, according to the Mauritanian panelist, had promoted a better understanding of the LWF/DWS humanitarian activities in the North African country since 30 years.

Participants on the panel included Elizabeth Lobulu (Tanzania), Val Pauquet (South Africa), Ba Adama Moussa (Mauritania), Philip Sandi (Liberia), Corinna Muehlstaedt (Germany) and Michael McAteer (Canada). Thapelo Mkushane from South Africa moderated the session. There were 21 accredited media persons at the Second IFAPA summit.

Lutheran World Information