Harnessing the Potentials of Community Media for Conflict Management and Peace Building in Society

Abstract

nis paper examines the potentials of community media in conflict management and peace building in society. The work brings out the inevitability of conflict which exists at different levels between individuals, subcultures, communities and indeed among countries of the world. The paper discusses the passive and aggressive reactions to conflict and stresses that since it is often difficult andfrustrating for one to give up one's own interest and goals for the sake of maintaining a relationship with others, what ensues more often than not for those with passive reaction to conflict is a lose-win-solution. On the other hand, the use of force and power to get one's interest achieved, disregarding the interests of others in an aggressive reaction to issues spark off conflict in the society. The paper concludes that the role ofthe media to intervene during conflict situations is challenging, giving the fact that they must adhere to the professional code of ethics and the inherent tenets of objectivity, truth, accuracy, balance and fairness. The paper therefore calls on the community media being close to the people, to provide extensive coverage to peace dialogue among the various factions in conflict situations through an impartial and objecti ve reporting of issues.