INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 21Media Action Nepal recently concluded a series of two-day training workshops on
Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ) in Karnali Province, bringing together 60 grassroots journalists (20 in each location) from nine
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The training sessions, which took
to enhance the skills of local journalists in reporting with utmost sensitivity.The workshops attracted participants from Surkhet, Dailekh,
Rukum West, Jajarkot, Dolpa, Salyan, Jumla, Mugu, and Kalikot districts, including 25 female journalists
The sessions focused on practical techniques for reporting on sensitive topics such as conflict, diversity, and disinformation, equipping
participants with tools to navigate complex issues while maintaining ethical standards and promoting peace.
The interactive
format allowed the participants to engage in group discussions and presentations, with each cohort divided into groups of three to five
These groups tackled key questions like: Why do journalists need sensitivity when reporting on diversity? How should they counter hate
speech and disinformation? Under what conditions is it essential to protect sources of information? What are the ethical considerations in
sharing photographs? Why is fact-checking crucial for journalists?
Through these discussions, the journalists gained practical insights and
developed a deeper understanding of their role in fostering social harmony and preventing conflict.One of the major outcomes of the training
was the formulation of a Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ) Code of Conduct, the first of its kind in Nepal
This code emphasizes the responsibilities of journalists in reporting on conflict, ensuring their work contributes to peace-building efforts
and does not incite violence or discrimination.Some of the key provisions of the code of conduct include:#13;Protect the privacy and rights
of children when reporting. Avoid using language or terms that could incite conflict in news coverage. Be sensitive when covering incidents
of caste based discrimination and maintain fairness. Do not discriminate based on political opinions or affiliations in reporting. Refrain
from publishing or broadcasting content that harms religious or social harmony. Ensure sensitivity when using photographs, respecting
privacy in both print and online media. Pay special attention to marginalized and minority communities, including people living with
disability, senior citizens, and sexual and gender minorities. Maintain the confidentiality of news sources to protect their identities,
especially in sensitive stories. Verify all information before publication or broadcast to prevent misinformation. Avoid exaggerating issues
related to the food security of Karnali's citizens to prevent panic.
This code is set to serve as a guideline for grassroots journalists
across Nepal, helping them navigate the delicate balance between reporting facts and fostering peace in conflict-sensitive regions.
"This
initiative reflects the growing importance of responsible journalism in preventing conflicts and ensuring that media plays a constructive
role in Nepal's ongoing peace-building efforts, " Said Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal.The training workshops were led
by Pant, a globally acknowledged media trainer and advocate for freedom of expression
Pant was joined by Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of Annapurna Express English Daily, and Lalit Budha, Karnali Province Coordinator for Media
Action Nepal, who facilitated the interactive sessions
Their combined expertise and practical insights enriched the learning experience for the participants.These training sessions were organized
under the project "Strengthening the role of youth, CSOs, and media," supported by GiZ-Civil Peace Service, which aims to bolster media's
role in promoting peace and stability in Nepal.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com
