Peace Journalist Mag April 2024

IN THIS ISSUE
•East-West Center program unites

Indian, Pakistani journalists
• Dispatches from Nepal, Zimbabwe,

U.S., Australia, elsewhere
• Cooperative study on Greek media
SPECIAL REPORT: Remembering PJ, peacebuilding pioneer Dr. Johan Galtung
Youth media trainings, combating disinfo, promoting PJ in the
Republic of Moldova
A publication of the Center for Global Peace Journalism Vol 13 No. 1 - April 2024
April 2024 April 2024
Contents
Editor’s
When we come to a crossroads, the decisions During this stint in Moldova, I’ve learned
we make about which road to take have long- what it means to stare down the bully next
Special Report: 14 Dr. Johan Galtung lasting, far-reaching consequences. This is door. He might not currently menace Mol-
Cover PJ in Moldova PJ world mourns pioneer’s passing

true for both individuals, and nations.
I reached my crossroads in the year 2000,

Notebook dova militarily, but the hybrid information
war being waged here is real, and dangerous.
That’s why the work of my colleagues at Stop
At seminars for middle and high when I chose the unknown—a road that led to internation- Fals is so vitally important. (see pg. 10).
school students given by the Centrul al engagement, including teaching and sometimes living
Media pentru Tineri (Youth Media abroad. My choice was to apply for a Fulbright scholarship. Like me a few years ago, Moldova now finds itself at a
4 Moldova needs PJ
Center) in Moldova: The next year, I found myself in Moldova, uncomfortable, crossroads. In one direction, determined Moldovans are
Top left-Brainstorming story ideas anxious, and exhilarated. Since then, I have taught in 33 paving a road towards the EU and a brighter, prosperous
in Soroca. Top right-Madalina Grosu Country is epicenter of info war countries. The exhilaration has never worn off, though I’m future. The other road, once favored by a Russian propa-
discusses social media. Bottom left- still occasionally anxious or uncomfortable. ganda-indoctrinated minority here, leads Moldova into
Trainer Gabriel Encev discusses vid-
eo framing. Bottom right-Mapping
6 Youth Media Center Dr. Johan Galtung, with Media As- I’m in Moldova on my third Fulbright this academic year
Russia’s authoritarian arms and towards a grim future. The
road heading east is a road leading to a dark past where
out a story plan in Soroca. Photos by Activities stress media literacy sociation for Peace (Beirut, Lebanon) (see pg. 8), 23 years after my first visit here. The country is rights were curtailed and dissidents shipped off to gulags.
Centrul Media team.
8 Fulbright Program President Vanessa Bassil. vastly different now. Moldova then was very Soviet, very
About
The Peace Journalist magazine is Prof. focuses on PJ, peace media 16 Nepal Russian, in most respects. Pessimism and cynicism were
rampant. Today, Moldova is much more European and
I made the right decision 23 years ago to take a risk and
choose the road leading to an exhilirtating future. It’s grati-
Indian, Pakistani journalists gather forward-looking, full of optimism as a future EU member. fying to see Moldova do the same in 2024. --SY
published by the Center for Global
Peace Journalism at Park University.
The Center ends its affiliation with
20 Greece Contributors
the university in August, 2024, but News study reveals EU attitudes Felicia Nedzelschi (pg. 4) is Petru Macovei (pg. 10) is and harassment trainer, and filmmaker. He is founding di-
will continue operating as an inde-
pendent entity, including publishing 22 Zimbabwe a journalist with more than
10 years of experience. She
the Executive Director of the
Association of Independent
media trainer in Pakistan.
She advocates for human
rector of War Stories Peace
Stories, and 2019 Luxem-
this magazine twice annually. PJ seminar, Cahul, Moldova Study shows gender imbalance holds bachelor’s (journalism Press (API) – www.api.md and women’s rights. bourg Peace Prize laureate.
The Peace Journalist magazine is 10 Hybrid war 24 India and communi-
cation sciences
from the Republic of Moldo-
va. Macovei is the director of
Andrea Muraskin (pg. 24) is
a freelance writer and audio
dedicated to disseminating news “Stop Fals” battles disinformation Expert discusses media landscape and master’s API’s main projects and pro- producer with over a decade
and information for teachers, stu-
dents, and practitioners of PJ. 12 Media Academy 26 Webinar degrees (PR
and Imagol-
grammes, including those
related to the training of
of experience in public radio
and podcasting. She pro-
Event boosts cross border reports GWU launches series on PJ issues ogy). She was the editor-in- journalists. He coordinates Evangelos Theodorou (pg. duces the podcast Making
Submissions: We are seeking chief of the media platform the campaign 20) is a PhD student of Peace Visible.
shorter submissions (600 words)
detailing peace journalism projects,
What is Peace Journalism? AGORA.md, with a focus on
political and social issues.
against fake
and tenden-
Journalism at the Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki.
classes, proposals, etc. We also Peace Journalism is when editors and reporters make choices that improve His research interests focus
Veronica Boboc (pg. 6) tious informa-
welcome longer submissions (1200 the prospects for peace. These choices, including how to frame stories and on the impact of different
is the director of Centrul tion, “STOP
words) about peace or conflict carefully choosing which words are used, create an atmosphere conducive to FALS!” news frames
peace and supportive of peace initiatives and peacemakers, without compro- Media pentru Tineri (Youth
sensitive journalism projects or pro- Media Center) in Chisnuau, on Greeks’ at- Babak Bahador (pg. 26) is
mising the basic principles of good journalism. (Adapted from Lynch/McGold- Jake Lynch (pg. 14) teaches titudes towards a research professor at the
grams, as well as academic works Moldova.
rick, Peace Journalism). Peace Journalism gives peacemakers a voice while on the new Master of Social the EU. School of Media and Public
from the field. Justice degree at the Univer-
making peace initiatives and non-violent solutions more visible and viable. Affairs at George Washing-
A number of valuable peace journalism resources, including curriculum sity of Sydney. ton University
Deadlines: March 3 (April edition); He won the Lux- Lungelo Ndhlovu (pg. 22)
packets, online links, as well as back issues of The Peace Journalist can be found is a Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and the director
September 3 (October edition). embourg Peace
at https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com . based freelance contributor of the Media and
Prize in 2017 for Peacebuilding
Editor: Steven Youngblood, Director,
Center for Global Peace Journalism Center for Global Peace Journalism his contributions
to peace jour-
for the Thomson Reuters
Founda- Project at GW.
Leo Weakland (pg. 26) is the
Proofreading: Ann Schultis The Center for Global Peace Journalism works with journalists, academics, and tion with
Steven Youngblood (pg. 8) is nalism.
students worldwide to improve reporting about conflicts, societal unrest, rec- an interest Development & Operations
editor of The Peace Journal- Lubna Jerar Naqvi (pg. 16)
in climate Manager at Peace News
Contact/Social Media: onciliation, solutions, and peace. Through its courses, workshops, lectures, this ist, director of the Center is a journalist, social media change. Network, and a graduate of
steven.youngblood@ magazine, blog, and other resources, the Center encourages media to reject for Global Peace Journalism, expert, social media security the GW’s El-
fulbrightmail.org sensational and inflammatory reporting, and produce counter-narratives that and a 2023-24 Fulbright for journalists trainer, wom- Jamil Simon (pg. 24) is a liott School of
Twitter/X- @PeaceJourn offer a more nuanced view of those who are marginalized—ethnic/racial/ Scholar in Moldova. en rights activist, gender peace activist and an award- International
Facebook- Peace Journalism group religious minorities, women, youth, and migrants. winning documentary Affairs.
Vol 13, No. 1
pg 2 https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ pg 3
PJ becomes a ‘necessary PJ in Moldova from pg 4
which has an armed conflict in the neighborhood and 1500 from the right bank of the Dniester River (Moldova proper)
alternative’ in Moldova Russian troops in its territory (Transnistria), I’ve also asked
myself whether peace journalism could be practiced in
are not allowed to enter or even detained by the self-pro-
claimed authorities from Transnistria. The most recent case
Propaganda, disinfo, conflicts Moldova. After long and thorough documentation, I have
become convinced that peace journalism could be opposed
is that of journalists Viorica Tataru and Andrei Captarenco
who were interrogated separately for three hours only for
challenge regional journalists to war journalism, but it should not be opposed to high-
quality journalism.
having filmed a protest in Tiraspol in Transnistria-- that is,
for practicing journalism.
The Republic of Moldova has always been a playground
for the great forces, both territorially and ideologically. As Moldovan Realities In my opinion, direct involvement in a territorial, ethnic, or
a result, in the Moldovan space, in spite of its extremely Those who promote peace journalism affirm that this ideological conflict makes it harder to practice peace jour-
compact area, large numbers of concepts intersect and genre offers space for alternative voices in reporting, hu- nalism. It is a real challenge journalists in Moldova have
ideas collide. What about propaganda? We’ve got it. The man stories which contribute to peaceful conflict settle- to face and to process in order to consciously choose the
impact of the Russia-Ukraine war next door? We feel it. ment, assuming that fact-checking and impartiality are point of view of the topic to be covered. It can also serve as
Hybrid warfare? Of course! Ethnic and linguistic conflicts? essential. Besides, journalists should also be careful about a test of personal and professional maturity and a choice
Definitely. A separatist zone? Sure thing! Minorities and the language they use in their materials and the way it we must go through in the context of our own generational
discrimination? Absolutely! The fact that we still remain could help avoid, limit, or prevent conflicts from escalating. and geographical traumas.
“sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania” (according to Therefore, some journalists and media outlets from Mol-
a cliché many Western journalists seem to be fond of), that dova may have practiced peace journalism without even Meanwhile, the Moldovan press demonstrated implemen-
is, between the EU and the war unleashed by Putin, also knowing its name. tation of peace journalism practices as soon as the Russian
has an enormous impact on us. invasion in Ukraine broke out. From the very first weeks
It could be affirmed that, in the recent years, when Moldo- of the war, the press covered refugees’ stories, provided
This hodge-podge of circumstances has been quite a chal- va registered a spectacular progress in the Press Freedom examples of their integration, reports from their new jobs
lenge for our entire nation, and I’m not afraid to assume Index, ranking 28th out of 180 monitored states in 2023, in the Republic of Moldova, the newly founded communi-
it has also raised and developed a very specific variety the circumstances for practicing peace journalism have be- ties, holidays celebrated here, and these people’s contribu-
of journalism. The current Moldovan journalism is, to a come more favorable. It should be kept in mind, tion to our society. When the war started, and
certain extent, the grandchild of the type that journalism however, that editorial independence is a crucial PJ in Moldova a trend of blaming refugees for “merely receiv-
poets and writers were involved in, but it also descends factor for implementing this concept. ing money” and “making a mess” emerged on
from the party press. Writing and complying with the social networks, a team of journalists success-
standards of independent journalism has been a long and In the recent years, especially after the change of fully investigated where exactly this rhetoric had
complicated route. Large-scale changes have been taking governmental authorities and the outbreak of the started and verified the facts, thus neutralizing
place only during the last 15 years. war in Ukraine, the urge to clear up the Moldovan the objections. This is examplary peace journalism.
media landscape has been noticeable. In 2022, the govern-
As they are not rooted in any secular traditions of journal- ment broadcast authorities prohibited airing Russian news- A Necessary Alternative
ism and stay in the epicenter of rather specific geopoliti- casts on radio and TV. Later, the Information and Security Peace journalism has started making its way into the Mol-
cal circumstances, it seems to me that what Moldovan Service of Moldova issued orders top block a number of dovan media landscape. At the 2023 Mass Media Forum,
journalists have managed to do for diversifying the way we online resources which were spreading fake news and incit- a separate discussion was dedicated to this journalistic
work for the press is an enormous progress. In this con- ing hatred, mass disorders, or war in the messages they genre, and Moldova State University and Bogdan Petriceicu
text, I would like to refer to solutions journalism, construc- shared. These steps certainly could not eradicate Russian Hasdeu State University in Cahul initiated this media course
tive journalism, and peace journalism. propaganda which migrated online to social media, but it for their journalism students. In 2024, the year in which
at least muted its voice on the official channels. world will hold the greatest number of elections in his-
Comprehending Peace Journalism tory, the year which begins with two large-scale wars, one
Peace journalism is a relatively new concept in general, Therefore, the purified media implies that we are able to in Ukraine and another one in Gaza, that underscore the
and it is even a newer one for the Republic of Moldova. start practicing new journalistic styles. However, Moldovan necessity of providing balanced, peace-oriented reporring.
Peace journalism is about selecting the way to present realities make me suggest that peace journalism is more
a certain topic and a story in order to contribute to non- easily adopted when you are not involved in any conflicts. This year, the Republic of Moldova will have presidential
violence and settling conflicts. It is a concept which helps elections and a referendum on the EU accession. The elec-
us see things differently and raises existential questions: The Transnistrian Conflict VS. the War in Ukraine tions are a test for every journalist and will certainly trigger
“But isn’t journalism supposed to be combative?;” “But is As mentioned, there are 1500 Russian troops stationed in a deluge of Russian propaganda once again. At the times
it a journalist’s role to act as a peacemaker?;” “But doesn’t (Top)-A Ukrainian refugee holding his dog under his jacket, the breakaway region of Transnistria, which declared its when people in our country could be provoked against
peace journalism exclude investigations, news about il- at the Moldovan border point Palanca, March 2022. Photo independence in 1992 but it unrecognized by any other each other again, peace journalism can actually make a
legalities, or debunking?” by: Andrei Gagiu/AGORA.md nation. The frozen (or not-so-frozen) conflict in the Trans- difference. Avoiding borrowed narratives and revealing not
(Bottom)-Journalist Viorica Tataru filming a protester in Ti- nistrian region makes many people adopt a categorical po- just bare facts but also empathy in our materials will be
As a journalist from Eastern Europe, residing in a country sition when covering this topic in the media. The problem more important than ever.
raspol on the day she was detained authorities on the left
Continued on next page bank of the Dniester River. Photo by: Andrei Captarenco. seems to become even more personal when journalists --Felicia Nedzelschi
pg 4 https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ Vol 13, No. 1 pg 5
At YMC seminars, trainer Natalia Strogoteanu discuss- April 2024 April 2024
es media literacy (left); while students create short
videos (right) on their phones. Youth media from pg 6
who examine the materials and then center, student council. Through the followers on Instagram, 4K followers
and draw conclusions. promoters, in 2023 over 600 young on TikTok, and is similarly accessible
people were informed about pluralism on YouTube and Facebook.
YMC also runs Media Tour, which is a of opinion, AI, deep fake, and other
journey of several days in the regions topics relevant to media literacy. YMC’s response to the info war
of the country where 5-10 young Starting in 2022, the YMC team has
people learn to identify topics, what YMC sponsors Abraziv, an online introduced training modules on deep
storytelling is, how to tell stories from youth platform that informs and fakes, image manipulation and other
their own community, to write scripts educates youth through engaging manipulation tools mainly used on so-
on various topics, and together with content. Video products rnclude cial media. Similarly, we cover topics
the YMC team, produce video reports. sound bites, short shows, and satirical on debunking trolls and fake profiles
These are placed online and distrib- sketches. Abraziv gives young people that incite hatred and public disorder.
uted in the public space, promoting the opportunity to become content
youth’s participation, their aspira- creators, as some of the producers In 2023, thanks to collaboration with
tions, and the realities they face. of Abraziv’s columns are volunteers. Steven Youngblood, the director of
At the moment, the Abraziv platform the Center for Global Peace Journal-
The sitcom “Alone at Home” (Singura ism and Fulbright Scholar in Moldova
Youth Media Centre enlightens Moldovans
has a community of 16K followers
Acasa in Romanian) is YMC-produced on Facebook; over 3.8K followers on (see pg. 6), we were able to diversify
comedy series, which tackles current Instagram, and 28K followers and over our media education training with
media literacy issues in an entertain-
Amid disinformation, have enough critical thinking skills or
information resilience and are more
tion equipment, which offers the pos-
sibility to produce multimedia prod- ing and accessible way for the public.
1 million likes on TikTok. another module, - peace journalism.
In the fall, Youngblood and the YMC
programs focus on present online. Statistical data show ucts. We are asked to make video
and photo reports, human stories,
The protagonists are Mihaela and
Vadim, two siblings whose mother is
YMC has programs in both Romanian
and Russian languages. Najdacika is a
team of trainers went to three locali-
ties in the country-Ungheni, Soroca
that social media is the main source
media, news literacy of information for young people in case studies, gather sound bites, and abroad. Left alone at home, they and platform for young Russian speakers and Cimislia. Students (14-18) were
Moldova. get involved in the development and their friends learn to overcome some in the Republic of Moldova that aims informed about the responsibility to
Two years ago, we understood the
implementation of media campaigns of the challenges and stereotypes to diversify the content of Russian lan- promote peace through the content
depth of the word “peace.” On 24
What is the Youth Media Centre? to inform and raise awareness. Our they face, and to make informed deci- guage information on social networks. they create and distribute (share)
February 2022, when Ukraine was
We have been operating for more partners are donor organizations, sions and change their attitudes. The The current realities, the hybrid war, online. Young people learned about
invaded by Russian troops, part of the
than 20 years and are recognized as public institutions, and civil society series offers solutions to the challeng- and the high number of propagandis- the ethics of journalists in wartime,
Youth Media Centre (Centrul Media
an NGO that creates opportunities for organizations in the country. es youth face every day. The series tic pro-Kremlin sources in the Repub- and how to promote peace and write
pentru Tineri) team was conducting a
education, development, participa- now has 10 episodes, each lasting lic of Moldova make it necessary to about conflict situations. More peace
media literacy training in the south of
tion, and free expression for youth. YMC activities 5-15 minutes. develop a local informational platform media seminars are planned for April
our country and the rest of the YCM
YMC’s team consists of 12 profession- We have training tools and activities to increase the informational resil- and May.
team were watching the news in hor- YMC oversees a network of eight
als in journalism, communication, that we have developed over the ience among young Russian speakers
ror, finding it hard to accept reality. Media Clubs in the country equipped YMC’s focus on serving rural areas is
multimedia production and years based on experience, from our country. Najdacika has 2.2K
With the war in Ukraine, the process trainers for informal digital PJ in Moldova interaction and feedback with technical equipment (video important. Some young people from
of disinformation and propaganda and media literacy activities. from young people. camera, laptop for editing, tripod, mi- WHERE TO FIND THE YOUTH communities far from the capital,
crophone, light, etc.). Young people MEDIA CENTER ONLINE: through YMC activities, have had their
intensified in the online and tradi-
Every year, we interact YMC sponsors Media Camp, involved in Media Clubs receive Website: first opportunity to participate in
tional media space in Moldova, aimed
in training with at least a 4-day summer school for training and mentoring sessions with https://tineri.md/ media trainings. Even though Moldova
at manipulating, inducing fear, panic,
1000 young people from all over the young people aged 15-18, the YMC team. Young people learn to is a small country in terms of territory,
and chaos, and creating a false illusion
country. All our training and informa- aimed at increasing young people’s be civic journalists in their locality, to Facebook: few organizations reach out to rural
of reality. Now, we can say with all
tion tools aim to help young people media literacy and multimedia con- spot problems in the community, to https://www.facebook.com/centrul. communities, and even fewer interact
certainty that Moldova is the epicen-
better understand various information tent creation skills. report and to find solutions. media.pentru.tineri/ with young people on media literacy.
ter of the information war.
processes, digital and online safety
challenges, develop critical informa- We also sponsor Media Quiz, a con- Another YMC media literacy activitity Instagram: In 2023, the YMC team managed
For the Youth Media Centre team,
tion consumption, encourage civic test called, “Who stole the billion?” is the #media10tion network of media https://www.instagram.com/cen- to conduct media literacy activities
the war has meant major challenges
journalism, create media products It is an offline game, the only one of literacy promoters. These are young trulmedia/ for 1400 young girls and boys from
in addition to opportunities and ac-
that promote participation, freedom its kind in the country, developed by people informed and trained on me- all over the country, including from
tions. We realized how important TikTok:
of expression, values of tolerance and the YMC team, which aims to develop dia literacy and critical thinking by the Russian-speaking ethnic minority
and necessary media literacy is, to https://www.tiktok.com/@centrul-
non-discrimination. This school year, critical thinking as well as digital skills YMC team. After training the trainer communities in both the North of
face the wave of misinformation, fake media
students have also had training in in an interactive and suspenseful way. sessions, they organize media literacy Moldova and the semi-autonomous
news, and propaganda from Russia.
peace media. The game can involve 20-22 students activities with young people in their region of Gagauzia.
Young people are the most vulner- YMC YouTube channel:
communities - high school, youth --Veronica Boboc
able and exposed because they do not Continued on next page http://bit.ly/2jbN3pt
YMC has its own studio and produc-
Fulbrighter inspired, energized in Moldova

Prof “treasures” his collaborations I tagged along with trainers to do youth media skills and
media literacy trainings in Soroca, Cimislia, and Ungheni.
with students, media, and NGOs My presentation to the youth was on Peace Media, which At Orizont Lyceum in
My three Fulbright scholarships have unquestionably been I defined as “When content creators, media consumers, Chisinau, enthusiastic fifth
the pinnacle of my professional life. This nine-month Ful- and social media users make choices that can create an graders discuss hate speech
bright in Moldova (probably my last) has provided me the environment (online and in person) more conducive to and disinformation.
opportunity to grow professionally in ways I never thought peace.” This made it more applicable to and personal for
possible. the students, who after all create, consume, and dissemi-
nate/share information daily, especially on social media.
A glimpse into my many activities during my Fulbright here
will help provide some context. The students and I then discussed the choices that they,
State University of Moldova

as creators, consumers, and disseminators, can make that
create an atmosphere more conducive to peace. These Fulbright from pg 8
My assignment is at the State University of Mol- three choices regard how they frame their entertaining format. My performance is nothing if not In December, I attended and presented at the Media Fo-
dova (USM), in the journalism department (fac- PJ in Moldova posts, the words and images that they use, and entertaining, though I’m not sure if viewers will be laugh- rum, the most important event of the media calendar year.
ulty). The department has structured my Fulbright what posts they share, and why. Are they peace- ing at me or with me. (See link). For me, the highlight was an enlightening presentation on
as a “lector invitat,” a guest lecturer, in peace ful? Russian disinformation tactics and motives from Marian
journalism. What this means is that I do not have Orizont Lyceum Voicu, a TV journalist and fact checker (Verdica.ro) from
my own classes per se. The CMT held a Media Camp reunion in Chi- Did I mention I love working with kids? Thus, when I got Romania.
sinau in December. I addressed the energized and ener- the chance to visit and work with a class of fifth graders at
This arrangement has its advantages. I am able to still con- gizing group about peace media, and disinformation. It Orizont Lyceum, I jumped at the chance. My presentation at the forum, Peace Journalism: Principles
centrate on peace journalism. I get to teach each students seemed like there was nothing the students didn’t know and Applications, was well attended. About half were
in the department twice—once in the fall, and once in the about disinformation, including its definition, how and I visited the kids and their dedicated teacher Lucia Jardan Russian speakers, meaning that I had to navigate three
spring. The biggest advantage is avoiding the most onerous why it is spread, and how to combat it. I was impressed. I about a half dozen times, engaging them in discussions languages even though I speak only two (English and Ro-
aspects of university teaching, grading and course adminis- gave them an exercise where they had to circle unverified ranging from disinformation to live in the U.S. to hate manian). At any rate, the audience was curious and didn’t
tration. No papers for me! And no gradebook or grades. he information or disinformation, and underline phrases that speech. The students were terrific—very, very energetic; hesitate to ask questions—qualities I always love. The most
disadvantage is that I don’t really get to know the stu- damage peace. The students easily passed this test with very, very willing to share (one girl almost insisted); and animated discussion was about peace journalism and war,
dents, since they just see me for an hour and a half in the flying colors. very, very inquisitive. For example, once when I asked and how the principles I laid out might apply in practice.
fall, and another hour and a half in the spring. if they had seen disinformation and fake news on social The forum opened with speeches by Moldovan President
In a mistake of epic proportions, CMT invited me to make media, everyone’s hand shot up. They gave examples that Maia Sandu and U.S. Ambassador Kent Logsdon about the
My classes, 90 minutes long, have been good for the most my acting debut as one of the co-stars of a YouTube serial they’ve seen on social media, everything from fake cash importance of a vibrant, free press in Moldova.
part. Just like any university I’ve taught at, there are a it produces called “Singura Acasa” (Home Alone). These prizes to lies about the Ukraine war to the zombie apoca-
group of highly engaged students in each class who are shows deliver a socially important message to young view- lypse, which according to the students did not occur (or at I gave a lecture in Cahul in October. The attendees, a mix
extremely attentive and eagerly participate in exercises ers about misinformation and stereotypes in an accessible, least, has not yet occurred). I asked how they knew if news of English learners at the Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State
and discussions. Just like any university, cell phones are a is false, and got some sophisticated answers, including University, seemed to be responsive to my presentation
scourge, distracting students and professors alike. A side Continued on next page considering what source it comes from, and whether the about media and peace journalism, and, implicitly, their
note: I’d estimate that 80% of my students are women. news could be verified with a Google search. We discussed role as media consumers. We discussed the use of images
Russian disinformation themes spread in Moldova. from conflict zones, and when and if it’s appropriate to
I also got to attend and present at an academic confer- show bloody, horrifying photos and videos.
ence at USM titled, “Integration through research and Other presentations and projects
innovation.” In the journalism/communications section, 13 In March, 20 journalists from different regions of Moldova, I wrote two articles for an innovative website Media Azi
presenters gave interesting information on a wide range of including the break-away republic of Transnistria, gathered (Media Today), which “…Publishes relevant information
topics, including advertising agencies in Moldova, reality for a 3.5 day seminar itled, “Media Academy: Peace Jour- in the field of media on a daily basis in order to explain
TV, women’s roles in mass media in Romania, and commu- nalism Principles and Applications.” See pg. 12 for details. phenomena, tendencies, and problems related to the in-
nication’s relationship to regional politics. My presentation formation space in the Republic of Moldova to the general
was short, introducing peace journalism, then discussing I taught two sessions at the Moldova Journalism School. public.” In my first column, I discussed how “Media are
how its principles might apply to coverage of the Israel- I worked with a cohort of 15 professionals at the school, stuck on traditional narratives about refugees.” In my sec-
Gaza and Ukraine-Russia wars. which offers something like a certificate program but not ond article, I laid out how “Peace Journalism offers the key
a degree like a university. My sessions introduced peace to responsible refugee reporting.”
Centrul Media pentru Tineri journalism, and discussed how PJ applies to refugee
I love working with kids, and my Fulbright has given me the reporting—a hot topic here in Moldova, given the number In April, I am making a visit to Bucharest, Romania to give
opportunity to do this, thanks to the Centrul Media pentru Gabriel Encev and S. Youngblood on “Singura Acasa,” a of Ukrainian refugees.
Tineri (Youth Media Center-CMT). As part of a CMT team, program produced by the Youth Media Center in Moldova. Continued on next page
April 2024
Fighting disinformation on the front lines Disinfo from pg 10

spread mainly by pro-Kremlin me-
Information resilience is vital tool to withstand hybrid war dia and editorial websites and pro-
Russian activists on social networks,
The campaign against false and biased its information resilience. And for this popular social networks in Moldova-- and STOP FALS’ regional collaborators
information STOP FALS in the Republic to happen, a number of social actors Facebook, Telegram, and Tik-Tok. (journalists and representatives of lo-
of Moldova, carried out by the Asso- from the authorities, non-governmen- cal NGOs) who organize meetings with
ciation of Independent Press (API), is tal organizations, and the journalistic Current Moldovan authorities have
citizens and distribute educational
the most comprehensive educational community should join forces. taken measures to strengthen the
materials.
and civic engagement activity against resilience of public institutions and
the phenomenon of disinformation in After the beginning of Russia’s military citizens in the face of disinformation The portal www.stopfals.md has be-
Eastern Europe. aggression against Ukraine and the in- actions from Russia, including a new come the main resource for debunk-
vasion of this neighboring country, the National Security Strategy , and a new ing fakes and speculations in Moldova
An incomplete list of STOP FALS activi- Kremlin has also been exerting pres- special center for improving strate- in recent years, with the cooperation
ties include debunking viral fakery in sure on and threats against Moldova, gic communication and countering of several experienced and profes-
public spaces; dozens of meetings
with media consumers from different
PJ in Moldova as the country’s
leadership has
disinformation. For several years now,
media literacy has been introduced as
sionally upright journalists. In 2023,
the portal debunked about 150
regions of the country; discussions strongly con- an optional subject in the curriculum misleading narratives focused on vari-
with experts from different fields on demned Russia of Moldovan educational institutions ous issues and topics crucial for the
the impact of disinformation on the and continu- to train youth to analyze information country’s present and future: energy
democratic development of the coun- ously demanded and distinguish between objective and food security, the implementation From October 2023 to February 2024, the STOP FALS campaign held 16 meet-
try; trainings for journalists, students the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial and potentially manipulative news. of reforms, European integration for ings with social workers. Here, Petru Macovei discusses disinformation with
and activists; distribution of explana- integrity. Moldova, the modernization of the
Promoting critical thinking among social workers from the Edinet district.
tory materials; and competitions for national army, the Ukrainian refugee
students and consumers who point Thus, various forms of hybrid warfare media consumers of different ages,
crisis, Russian influence in the Gagauz 30 meetings attended by some 900 mines democratic values.
out fakes and speculations in tradi- are being employed against Moldova, professions, and occupations is also
Autonomous Region in southern Mol- rural residents, as well as social work-
tional media and social networks. including support for diversionary the basic mission of the STOP FALS–
dova, etc. ers and assistants – the professionals STOP FALS regularly organizes work-
operations by provocateur groups, an information and education cam-
who deal with beneficiaries on a daily shops and competitions for students
In Moldova, STOP FALS has become a cyber-attacks, economic blackmail, paign, which has been carried out for The articles published meet the high- basis, many of whom are vulnerable and young people to encourage them
landmark initiative. In fact, the direc- and other non-military tactics aimed six years by the Association of Inde- est quality standards, Stopfals.md is to disinformation. In the coming pe- to contribute to the fight against dis-
tor of API was the first civil society at destabilizing Moldova and hijack- pendent Press (API), one of the most the only media outlet in Moldova that riod, similar meetings and discussions information and to help people with
representative banned from Russia in ing the country’s movement toward active NGOs in Moldova. Moldovan has signed the Code of Principles of will be organized with professionals less technological skills to get infor-
August 2023, due to the campaign’s European integration. However, the activists and journalists have launched the International Fact-Checking Net- from other fields who interact with mation from truthful sources. At the
role in exposing the Kremlin’s disinfor- Kremlin’s biggest stake in achieving other initiatives in this regard, but work (IFCN) and the Code of Ethics for large numbers of people and can help same time, on the website https://
mation schemes in Moldova. its goal seems to be propaganda and STOP FALS is by far the most com- Fighting Disinformation of the Europe- protect them from disinformation: stopfals.md/, any citizen can report
spreading false information through plex and relevant. This is due to the an Fact-Checking Standards Network
In a country like Moldova, which had postmen, doctors, teachers. information that they consider false,
its agents of influence in Moldova: network of fact-checking journalists (EFCSN). In 2023, Stopfals.md won the
been part of the former Soviet Union partially false, manipulative or biased.
pro-Russian politicians and parties, TV who document and debunk fakery European Union Delegation’s award In total, since the beginning of the
for more than 50 years and which the The signals come to the attention
stations and websites controlled by and speculations in the public sphere, for the best project against disinfor- STOP FALS campaign six years ago, API
Russian Federation continues to try of the editorial staff of Stopfals.md,
pro-Russian political groups, activists experts who monitor false narratives mation. STOP FALS activists are at the has held meetings with media con-
to keep in its zone of influence, it is which verifies them and publishes
and individuals engaged in promoting forefront of the fight against disinfor- sumers in about a third of Moldovan
very important for society to develop articles to refute if this information
fakery and speculation on the most Continued on next page mation, and their fairness, indepen- villages, discussing disinformation, distorts the truth.
techniques of manipulating public
Fulbright
dence, and integrity are essential.
from pg 9 opinion, and methods of analyzing “You are a man of reason, think and
In fact, developing fact-checking skills and verifying information. Regional analyze!” – is one of the slogans that
peace journalism lectures to students at the University wonderful youth media and fifth grade students. I also is one of API’s priorities, with regular staff and campaign experts lead the STOP FALS campaign is sending to
of Bucharest. Then in May, I’m scheduled to moderate a treasure the professional and personal contacts I’ve made trainings and workshops for journal- discussions and distribute flyers and information consumers in Moldova.
Media Brunch, an informal event sponsored by UN Hu- with Moldovan media and NGO colleagues. As I have since ists and journalism students, includ- brochures that examine and debunk Critical thinking skills must be devel-
man Rights, with local journalists. The event is tentatively my first Fulbright to Moldova in 2001, I will continue to ing in partnership with similar media the most viral fakes. oped now to protect Moldovans un-
scheduled to be held in Transnistria, which should be collaborate with these professionals who are dedicated to projects in other countries and in the der the direct and indirect influence
interesting. Also in May, I’m giving two seminars in Chi- securing a better for future for this vibrant country. region (www.Stopfake.org in Ukraine, We pay special attention to promoting of Russian propaganda that seeks to
sinau and Soroca on Reporting Roma, sponsored by the --Steven Youngblood www.Mythdetector.ge in Georgia). civic engagement and the involvement use them for its geostrategic purpos-
Independent Press Association. of different categories of Moldovans es. Information resilience is essential
(You can ead more about my Moldovan Fulbright on my In the last six months alone, the STOP in combating disinformation, which af- for the future of Moldova.
I will be forever energized and enthused thanks to my blog, “Peace Journalism Insights.”) FALS Campaign has organized and held fects information security and under- --Petru Macovei
Seminar promotes cross-boundary storytelling

A 3.5 day seminar convened in Vadul views, the discussions were at times heat. The neutral language recom-
Lui Voda, Moldova in March titled contentious. These discussions largely mended by the guide includes saying
“Media Academy: Peace Journalism centered on the Ukraine-Russia war. “Transnistria” instead of “unrecog-
Principles and Applications.” It was nized Transnistria” or “Pridnestrovian
sponsored by UN Human Rights’ office The Transnistrian journalists discussed Moldavian Republic,” and calling
in Moldova. The participants were 20 how they cover the war, and used the the 1992 war that started the con-
journalists from Moldova, which is in term “neutral,” which, to some other flict “armed conflict on the Dniester
the process of joining the EU; Trans- participants from Moldova, means (River) in 1992” instead of “armed
nistria, a Russian-leaning breakaway ignoring the death and destruction aggression” or “Russian aggression.”
region; and from an autonomous, that the Russian invasion has wrought The trainer disagreed with the guide’s
Russian speaking region of Moldova, in Ukraine. The trainer suggested that recommendation to call the 1500 Rus-
Gagauzia. ignoring Russia’s actions in an at- sian troops stationed in Transnistria
tempt to appear neutral is, in fact, a “peacekeepers.” He pointed out that
At the event. lead instructor Steven pro-Kremlin stance. To reinforce this, peacekeepers are inherently neutral,
Youngblood presented he quoted anti-apartheid which these Russian troops are not.
the basics of peace jour- PJ in Moldova South African bishop Des-
nalism, then discussed PJ mond Tutu, who said, “If A number of guest speakers provided
applications like reporting you are neutral in situa- invaluable insight at the seminar,
refugees, human rights, and tions of injustice, you have including Andrei Trubceac and Nikola
reporting about contested chosen the side of the op- Petrovski from UN Human Rights in
narratives. pressor. If an elephant has Moldova; Eugenia Crețu, editor in
its foot on the tail of a mouse and you chief of Europa Liberă Moldova; Olga
The participants were put into teams say that you are neutral, the mouse Borisova from the Memory Walk proj-
from conflicted regions (one Moldo- will not appreciate your neutrality.” ect; Irina Kartashova from Dnestr-TV/
van and one Transnistrian or Gagauz- Novaya Volna ; and Viorica Zaharia, At the March Peace Journalism work-
ian), and tasked with producing cross- Seminar participants also discussed the president of the Press Council shop, Vadul lui Voda, Moldova: (Op-
boundary stories about contested the language used to describe the of Moldova. Also, history professor posite page)-From left-Palii Timur, Alla
narratives. These will be finished in stalemate between Transnistria, a Sergiu Musteață discussed contested Tofan, Natalia Munteanu, Evgheny
May. One team, for example, is doing region that claims independence but historical narratives in Moldova. War Cheban. (This page, top left)-Andrei
a report on the future of Moldova is not recognized by any other coun- reporters Viorica Tătaru and Andrei Trubceac from UN Human Rights. (Top
from two perspectives—one a pro- try, and Moldova, which considers Captarenco from TV8/Dincolo de Nis- Right)-Ludmila Hitsuc. (Center)-Group
Russia, eastern orientation, the other Transnistria Moldovan territory. One tru also presented alongside Transnis- photo. (Botton left)-Trainer Steven
a pro-EU orientation. participant, Evgheni Sholari, present- tria native and photojournalist Larisa Youngblood discussing peace journal-
ed an excellent guide, produced by Kalik, who joined the session online ism. (Bottom right)-Luiza Doroshenko.
Since the participants were from re- journalists on both sides, that rec- from Ukraine.
gions with different languages (Roma- ommends what language journalists
--Steven Youngblood
nian and Russian), and different world should use to turn down the rhetorical
Peacebuilding world mourns Dr. Johan Galtung Dr. Galtung from pg 14

was polite, gracious, and humble. Even well into his 80’s
as the main thread of discussion, informed Nick he was
Dr. Johan Galtung, widely recognized as the father of peace at the time, Dr. Galtung’s intellectual light burned bright.
talking “bullshit.”
journalism and of academic peace studies, passed away In fact, there were times during our visit that I noticed
in February, 2024 at the age of 93. A complete history of Later, I was honoured to take up Johan’s invitation to join Dr. Galtung slowing down to explain things to me, not in
his remarkable, impactful life can be found on Galtung’s him as co-facilitator in a training workshop in Amman for a condescending way, but as a colleague and friend. His
Transcend International website- https://www.transcend. journalists from Jardan, Egypt, Israel and Palestine – a observations were insightful and profound, and integral to
org/tms/2024/02/memorial-prof-johan-galtung-24-oct- chance to appreciate at close quarters the incisive quality the success of my book.
1930-17-feb-2024-rip/ . of his versatile and creative thinking.
Subsequently, I corresponded occasionally with Dr. Gal-
The following are two remembrances of Dr. Galtung. --Ed By 2010, I had exchanged life as a TV reporter and present- tung up until the last few years. I would sometimes send
Dr. Johan Galtung: er for a university post, and organised the biennial confer-
ence of IPRA, the International Peace Research Association,
him questions from my students, and he would answer. (Q:
“If journalists believe in peace journalism, shouldn’t they
A Personal Recollection at Sydney University. To be in the packed auditorium for
Johan’s spellbinding keynote presentation was to feel the
advocate more directly for peace?” A: “If they advocate,
they cease to become journalists. Journalists who believe
I first met Johan Galtung in 1997 at Taplow Court, a stately hairs on the back of one’s neck prickle with intellectual in peace can best advocate by giving a voice to peacemak-
Dr. Johan Galtung (left) with Dr. Jake Lynch and Philippines
home in southern England in use as UK cultural centre for excitement. ers, and by practicing peace journalism.”) On Twitter, he
journalist, war correspondent and Ph.D. student Maria
a Japanese-based Buddhist Group, the Soka Gakkai Inter- would re-tweet my posts, and often promote my peace
Frencie Carreon in Sydney in 2010. On that same trip to Australia, Johan joined me to launch
national. Indra Adnan, a friend who worked at the centre, journalism work in the process, urging his legions of fol-
created a series of events to honour Buddhist traditions of towards violence, propaganda, elites and victory – so the our monograph, Reporting Conflict: New Directions in lowers to read The Peace Journalist magazine, or check out
peace, and – since my partner, Annabel McGoldrick and I remedial strategy of Peace Journalism would adopt the Peace Journalism, published by Queensland University my blog. Of course, I was thrilled by his kind words.
both worked as journalists – a media-themed workshop opposite of these. Hence the famous four orientations to- Press, at a venerable institution of Sydney literary life, the
felt like a natural choice. Johan’s published dialogue with wards peace (and conflict as opposed to merely violence); iconic Gleebooks. It is from that event that the picture is Dr. Galtung was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in
Daisaku Ikeda, the SGI president who died last year, made truth, people, and solutions. These, Johan summarised – taken, with Frencie Carreon, a veteran Philippines journal- 2017, and made the short list of 32 individuals who were
him a natural choice to lead it. at Annabel’s request – on a single sheet of A4, for circula- ist who was studying, at that time, for her Ph.D. under my considered for the prize (he didn’t win). His nomination,
tion at the Taplow event. supervision. from Prof. Richard Falk of Princeton University and the
Decades earlier, Galtung had published – with co-author Univ. of California-Santa Barbara, stated, “Johan Galtung
Mari Holmboe Ruge, in the Journal of Peace Research – Johan himself was principal speaker, of course, to an audi- Johan Galtung’s thinking is every bit as vital now as at any has been the sort of dedicated warrior for peace that it
an article that was to prove highly influential in the study ence composed mainly of journalists. Two of the more time during his long, productive, and highly influential life seems to me the Nobel Prize was created to honor. By so
of journalism. The 1965 Galtung-Ruge essay, titled ‘The senior participants came from one of Britain’s biggest as one of the great thinkers of our age. To follow stories in doing, (this will) raise public consciousness of what must
Structure of Foreign News’, tilted the emphasis away from newspapers, the Mirror Group, then hurriedly looking to western media of conflict in Gaza or Ukraine – to mention happen if we are to overcome the war system and enjoy
journalists’ own individual tastes and prejudices, as deter- recalibrate coverage of and from Northern Ireland (or the just two current examples – is to feel the familiar pressure the material, political, and spiritual benefits of living in a
minants of news content, and towards the economic and North of Ireland) in light of the peace process underway to reject understanding and explanation as tantamount to world of peace premised on the nonviolent resolution of
political structures in which the news was conceived, com- there. justification and excuse-making for the conduct of the war- disputes among sovereign states...
missioned, gathered, and published. ring parties.
Peace Journalism has gone through the three phases of “For decades Johan Galtung has been an inspirational
When it came to covering conflicts, the commercially-driven response famously set out by Arthur Schopenhauer to any Reopening those distinctions is crucial to making, keeping presence in the field of peace studies broadly conceived.
appetite for discrete, large-scale and impactful events, as significant new idea: first ridicule, then violent opposition, and building peace. Johan’s signature concepts – of struc- His exceptional vitality and mobility has brought this mes-
the basis for each new story, tended to downgrade and oc- then acceptance as self-evident. tural and cultural violence, and indeed Peace Journalism sage of understanding and insight into peace with justice
clude conflict dynamics operating in between such events itself – are, in turn, crucial in doing so. That they now loom to the four corners of the planet... He invented and es-
– and driving the processes that led up to them. The call for improvements in coverage of Gaza, signed large in mainstream debates is testimony to his prescience tablished the field of peace studies as a respected subject
by nearly 300 Australian journalists last year, reads as an in raising, elaborating and developing them in his role as an of study in institutions of higher learning throughout the
The concern was over the meanings audiences would make, almost uncanny recapitulation of Johan’s main points from intellectual pioneer. world...Johan Galtung has reached the hearts and minds
in response to such a pattern of representation, and the a quarter-of-a-century earlier, so maybe we are now in the --Jake Lynch of thousands of people throughout the world, convey-
influence on their expectations as to what would happen third phase. Back in 1997, however, there were some signs ing the belief above all that peace is possible through the
next, and the spectrum of possible conflict responses. With of friction.
no opportunity to appreciate underlying relations of cause
Dr. Johan Galtung: dedicated efforts of ordinary people,” wrote Dr. Falk.
and effect, there would be no apparent point in considering I had invited my boss, Nick Pollard – then newly appointed
Head of News at British Sky Broadcasting – to give a guest
“Gracious and Humble” Thanks to Dr. Galtung, we now understand that peace is
how to divert these along different paths. “People act on much more than just the absence of war, and that me-
their image of reality,” Johan wrote – and the media, with presentation, which dealt largely in generalities about the I was privileged to collaborate with Dr. Galtung on several
dia have a role to play in mitigating conflict. Even after
daily coverage of selected conflicts, and wide reach, were a strengths and weaknesses of television journalism. The occasions. I interviewed him for my textbook “Peace Jour-
his passing, Dr. Galtung’s work will continue to provide a
good candidate as “number one image-former.” wisdom of this decision began to be called into question nalism Principles and Practices” in 2015. We spent an af-
much-need beacon to light our path through these dark,
when Johan, frustrated at this diversion from what he saw ternoon eating pizza, sipping tea, and talking about peace,
troubled times.
News about conflict could therefore be seen as a problem, peace journalism, and the state of media. It’s among the
requiring a solution. Mainstream coverage was oriented most fascinating three hours I’ve ever spent. Dr. Galtung --Steven Youngblood
Continued on next page

Pakistani, Indian journalists convene

Group meets for cross border reporting seminar in Nepal
Introduction This remark caused a lot of commo- countries. Food is a big part of the cul-
The East-West Center, dedicated to tion in the group of Pakistani journal- ture in both countries, so it was quite
promoting better relations between ists gathered in Kathmandu in January, natural for this bonding to be over a
the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region, mostly friendly surprise. The Pakistani meal.
launched a project titled “Reporting group had so many questions for Di-
on Cross-Border Issues of Mutual wash, and he also had several interest- Peace cannot be achieved without
Concern” in 2020 for 80 Indian and ing things to ask about Pakistan and struggle, and it may be the toughest
Pakistani journalists. The first phase seemed pleasantly surprised by some and easiest thing to do. And that is ex-
of the project included subject matter of the answers. actly what the East-West Center (EWC)
seminars (economy, environment, ag- has achieved through its Cross-Border
riculture, and health) as well as more The pleasure Diwash was feeling was Media Programs which bring journal-
generalized seminars on multimedia obvious from the smile and love in his ists from Pakistan and India together,
production and peace journalism. As eyes. The love at the table seemed providing a platform for these profes-
part of the project, journalists from to form a warm, fuzzy feeling around sionals to talk to one another about
each country are working together the table despite the cold winter night life in their country.
as a team on a cross-border media outside.
story to be published or broadcast It is interesting to see how EWC
within the region and on the project’s This was the first night before a week-workshops play a role in melting
website (https://www.journalistsfor- long cross-border media workshop, some ice between groups from both
change. org/). The first cohort met and already seeds of friendship were countries. By bringing journalists from
being sown. both countries together, EWC allows
“ ”
online, then in person in Kathmandu,
Nepal in 2022. journalists like Diwash
After the initial greetings, to meet their colleagues
The project continued in January, he was invited to join the I have never met a from across the border
2024 with a second cohort that also meal and as usual the con- Pakistani before. that they would prob-
met in Kathmandu. The focus this versation just flowed. His ably never meet.
time was on environment. Partici- remark about never meet-
pants from India and Pakistan teamed ing a Pakistani before this workshop The workshop helps start the process
up to report environmental stories of became a running joke among the of sharing differences, misconcep-
common interest. They also learned group evoking laughter from all. tions, and even dislikes to be debated
At the Cross Border the basics of peace journalism and to help begin the process of peace,
Diwash’s remark had sparked off an friendship, goodwill, and life-long
reporting seminar multimedia production. The trainers instant conversation punctuated with camaraderie. Soon the groups of
in Nepal in Janu- were Laura Ungar from the Associated surprised and endearing comments. Pakistani and Indian journalists are
ary, a participant Press, Steven Youngblood from the Diwash spoke Hindi and the Pakistani comparing cuisine and culture; talk-
interviews a flood Center for Global Peace Journalism, group Urdu but since both languages ing about music, literature, dance,
survivor (top); while and Steve Rice, Randall Smith, and are quite similar the conversation clothes, and theatre; speaking about
trainer Laura Ungar Sara Shipley Hiles from the University was going strong. They joked and their idols from across the border; and
discusses climate of Missouri. discussed similarities and differ- so much more.
change
Below is a column about the Cross ences between the countries – about
reporting.
Border project from Lubna Jerar Naqvi cuisine; culture; music and of course EWC kicked off the new year in Asia by
from Pakistan who was a participant Bollywood (the Indian film industry). organizing a week-long workshop in
in the first cohort, and a speaker, Kathmandu, Nepal from January 5 to
It was not long before Diwash was 10, 2024, inviting ten journalists each
panelist, and mentor in the second part of this Pakistani group, and any-
cohort. --Ed from Pakistan and India to the Cross-
one seeing them would not be able to Border Reporting on Climate Change.
tell that he was not Pakistani. My friend Priyadarshini Sen, an Indian
“I have never met a Pakistani be-
fore,” said Diwash Gahatraj, an Indian journalist, and I were invited to speak
Sharing food and breaking the same on a panel organized by Steven Young-
journalist. “This is the first time I am roti (bread), a strong bond was
meeting a Pakistani.” formed which would be hard to break Continued on next page
even when they all returned to their
Cross border from pg 15

blood. We were to discuss an article vulnerable and marginalized com- The Pakistani transgender community
we had worked on “Transgender ac- munity which had a big impact. An is still struggling under societal pres-
tivists highlight the impacts of climate interesting point was discovered sures and living as sub-humans on the
change and environmental issues on while working on this project that fringes of society.
the community” in 2022. the transgender community in India
had more space to work and express Pakistan’s transgender community is
The focus of this article was the themselves compared to Pakistan. brave and resilient but dealing with
many obstacles at the same time.
Pakistani and Indian journalists: Prominent members of the communi-
ty were interested in interacting with
‘How we use our cross-border training’ people in India.
The cross-border workshop has helped me look at being sensitive to issues Priya and I discussed various aspects
and how I cover them. Especially, given that we’re reporting on similar issues of our article, how we worked on it,
from two different countries, I’ve learnt it’s important to align the common the issues, and the hurdles of getting
threads by breaking down complex issues and involve as many solutions as the story.
possible. I’m now working on a cross-border story between India and Sri
The workshop participants seemed Lubna Jerar Naqvi (speaking) and Priya Sen discuss their cross border story at a workshop in Nepal in January, 2024.
Lanka. I’ve been able to assess the situation of the people on either side,
their issues, points of conflict and peace and livelihood with a magnifying
lens to determine what needs to be reported and how it has to be handled.
quite interested and asked questions
during and after the workshop about Cross border from pg 18
--Aparna Ganesan, India the collaboration between us and climate change had led to more snake look at how reporting a story, especial- You could feel the energy between
how we worked on the story on either bite attacks) was discussed a lot and ly of conflict, can impact the audience the groups, which continued even
The cross-border project has changed my approach of looking into the story side. It was quite an honor to speak became a punchline in the group. and add to an already dangerous situ- after a long day in the workshop.
pitches. Now, whenever I do think of a story idea, I also try to stretch it and about our work in front of the brilliant ation. This is a good initiative consid- Journalists from both countries ate
think of other countries like India and Bangladesh if it the issue exists there gathering of journalists from both During the workshop, the journalists ering the dynamics of the two coun- together, went out to explore the city
or not. Pakistan had a general elections on Feb. 8, and Imran Khan’s politi- countries, who were excited to learn visited Melamchi Valley in the middle tries. There were many questions on and of course went shopping.
cal party leadership is persecuted in different political cases. I compare and from our experience. And it was obvi- of the week to explore stories related how to cover different stories and how
think of this situation with Bangladesh where Sheikh Hasina’s party follow ous from the feedback that this group to climate change in this valley. In not to become part of a bad situation, As with everything else, the workshop
the same approach with opponents and they boycotted the elections. would be tough competition. June 2021, a flash flood in the Melam- how to keep one’s feelings separate, also came to an end. Over the week
--Izar Ullah, Pakistan chi River washed away many buildings and how to use neutral language. strangers had become friends, and
Looking around the room it was hard that were illegally constructed on the there were many emotional farewells
With this cross-border workshop, I got an opportunity to interact with fellow to distinguish between the Pakistanis riverbank. Many in the group understood the and promises to keep in touch thanks
journalists working on innovative ideas in the context of solution journalism. and Indians. During a conversation, concept and importance of peace to social media.
Witnessing other journalists working on it, I got the idea of how local solu- I asked two Indian journalists which The group got a chance to speak to journalism, while others were already
tions can lead to sustainable development and how to differentiate climate flight they took from Pakistan, only survivors and experts in the field practicing peace journalism without It will be very interesting to see the
change from other environmental issues. For my cross-border story, I will be to learn they were from Delhi. This about the dangers of climate change, knowing it. Trainer Steven Youngblood stories that will come out of this
working on neonatal and maternal mortality rates (see below)...This time, was one example of the similarities of as well as the impact of disregarding helped to clarify confusion and to group in the coming months. I can’t
with my partner, I would be writing on the topic from a different angle. people from both countries. regulations and constructing struc- drive home the importance of lan- wait!
--Tahira Khan, Pakistan tures in vulnerable spots. guage selection. -- Lubna Jerar Naqvi
The group of journalists was diverse
I am researching and reporting on infant and maternal mortality in flood- with skills ranging from print to vi- This trip helped the group to visualize
prone regions of northeast India alongside a Pakistani colleague addressing sual which gave the reporting teams their stories, get first-hand informa- Nepalese
similar concerns in Balochistan. We several levels of expertise in differ- tion from the locals, and capture visu- journalist
must adapt our approach to navi- ent genres of journalism. The vigor- als to enhance their stories. Kanak Dixit
gate social sensitivities, engage with ous workshop was a great learning opens the
authorities, highlight problems, and experience for many participants as Participants made short videos using seminar with
propose solutions. Our collaborative the mentors and trainers and their ef- the visuals from the trip to exercise a discussion
article aims to inspire constructive fort was obvious in the discussions as the skills they had learned from multi- about the
actions for authorities on both sides plans formed for stories. media instructor Steve Rice’s sessions. importance
of the border. (You can read Meen- of cross bor-
Most of the story ideas created by Another workshop session that
akshi’s cross-border story, done with der collabo-
the participants were very interest- piqued the group’s interest was peace
Pakistani journalist Tahira Khan, on ration.
ing. However, the snake story (how journalism. As usual, peace journalism
the website India Blooms.)
helped journalists from both countries
--Meenakshi J, India Continued on next page
Cooperative news study examines Greek media Greece from pg 20
News framing positively impacts Greek attitudes towards the EU respondents when they were asked
to report their emotional responses
“The best thing journalists can do for news story recently posted to a Mass this news story was highlighted that, regarding the scenario that some
their people, and for their country, Medium” and respondents of these European Commission rejects any member states of the European
is to facilitate dialogues, not inflame two questionnaires were asked to scenario of economic punishment at Union may be punished if they don’t
passions” (Youngblood, 2016). read it. One news story depicted Euro- the expense of member states. “Win- “obey” EU’s strategy against the
pean Union as “Authoritarian” and the win orientation” (Galtung & Fischer, pandemic. Only in the authoritarian
Because, by facilitating dialogues, by other one depicted European Union 2013), conciliatory approach that condition was anger was a significant
putting emphasis on cooperation, as “Cooperative.” This news story was “looks to unite parties, rather than mediator of framing effects.
reconciliation and discussion between the only difference between these two divide them” (Center for Global Peace
parties as the only way for solving questionnaires: Questions were the Journalism), dialogue facilitation On the contrary, respondents ex-
problems, News Framings can posi- same, in the same order. Respondents between parties and emphasis on the posed to Cooperative news framing,
tively affect audience’s attitudes and of the third questionnaire (Control notions of cooperation and discussion reported less anger as an emotional
feelings. Group), weren’t exposed to any news as the only way for solving problems response to the aforesaid scenario. of news framings build upon the edu/peacecenter. (Last access: August 14, 2023).
de Vreese, C. H., & Boomgaarden, H. G. (2016). Ef-
story and were asked to answer the (and, in particular, for effectively han- Also, in the Cooperative condition, notions of cooperation and reconcili- fects of news media coverage on public support for
On the contrary, by using “us vs them” same questions with the respondents dling the pandemic), were the corner- anger wasn’t a significant mediator of ation between parties, especially in European integration. In W. van der Brug & C. H. de
and “good guy vs bad guy” report- of the other two questionnaires, ex- stones of this news framing. framing effects. the context of an era of consecutive Vreese (Eds.), (Un)intended consequences of Euro-
pean Parliament elections (pp. 237-254). https://doi.
ing, by putting emphasis on conflict cept those related to the news story. crises, is crucial, especially since many org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198757412.003.0012
between parties and by embracing Participants completed only one ques- Moreover, respondents exposed to previous research studies (Lynch & Gabel, M.J., & Palmer, H.D. (1995). Understanding
a punitive approach, instead of a In “Authoritarian” news framing, Euro- tionnaire each and they didn’t know Cooperative news framing, evaluated McGoldrick, 2012; Lynch et al., 2015; variation in public support for European integra-
tion. European Journal of Political Research, 27,
conciliatory one, News Framings can pean Union was depicted as willing to about the existence of the other two more positively the handling of the McGoldrick, 2008; McGoldrick & 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1475-6765.1995.
negatively affect audience’s attitudes,impose its policies against the pan- questionnaires. Characteristics of re- pandemic by the European Union Lynch, 2016; Schaefer, 2006) have TB00627.X
inflame “passions” (anger) and cause demic to all the member states. The spondents of the three questionnaires (in comparison to the Authoritarian found that news framings built upon Galtung, J., & Fischer, D. (2013). Johan Galtung:
SpringerBriefs on Pioneers in Science and Practice.
“ ”
polarization. title of this news were similar, regarding age, educa- condition and to the Control Group) the principles of Peace Journalism had London: Springer.
story was “Euro- tional level, gender, income and politi- and their responses were much more a positive impact on audience’s emo- García-Perdomo, V., Harlow, S. & Brown, D.K. (2022).
This is what our European citizens are re- pean Commission: cal ideology. They took part in the sur- “moderate”, much less polarized. tions (promoting hope and empathy)
Framing the Colombian Peace Process: Between
Peace and War Journalism. Journalism Practice,
study, titled “Co- Member states vey from November 17 to December Furthermore, respondents exposed and thoughts (favoring non-violent/
operation versus sponsive to the ways in to Cooperative news framing, evalu-
1-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2022.206
2428
must comply with 11, 2021. Construction of measures cooperative responses to address the
Authoritarianism in which the mass media cover Union’s direc- of attitudes was based on previous ated more positively the image of the structural causes of a problem). On
Lynch, J., & McGoldrick, A. (2012). Reframing South
African TV news as Peace Journalism: Interim find-
times of covid-19: EU politics and policies. tions to beat the researches (e.g. Boomgaarden et al., European Union in the news story the contrary, as García-Perdomo et al. ings from a field experiment. Communicare: Journal
The positive impact pandemic” and 2011; Gabel & Palmer, 1995; Schuck they read (“Cooperative” European (2022) have found, war frame report- of Communication Sciences, 31(2), 78-98. https://
doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v31i2.2083
of Cooperative in the body of this news story was & de Vreese, 2006) and on items used Union), in comparison to respondents ing caused the opposite results. Lynch, J., McGoldrick, A., & Heathers, J. (2015).
news framing on Greeks’ attitudes highlighted that, if member-states by Standard Eurobarometer, espe- exposed to Authoritarian news fram- Psychophysiological audience responses to war
towards the European Union”, have don’t comply with European Union’s cially during pandemic. ing (“Authoritarian” European Union). “European citizens are responsive to journalism and peace journalism. Global Media
and Communication, 11(3), 201–217. https://doi.
found. directions against the pandemic of the ways in which the mass media org/10.1177/1742766515606295
Our study found that, respondents Another interesting finding of our cover EU politics and policies” (de McGoldrick, A. (2008). Psychological effects of war
In our study, we examined the impact covid-19, they may face economic
exposed to Authoritarian news fram- study was that, participants’ attitudes Vreese & Boomgaarden, 2016, 237) journalism and peace journalism. In M. Tehranian
of two different –and antithetic- news punishment. “Us vs them”/“good guys ing, evaluated more negatively the regarding their trust (or distrust) and this is why we should embrace
(Ed.), Peace Journalism in Times of War (pp. 86–98).
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315126173
framings on Greeks’ attitudes towards vs bad guys” reporting, punitive ap- handling of the pandemic by the in Media during the pandemic of Peace Journalism. McGoldrick, A., & Lynch, J. (2016). Audience Re-
the European Union. To investigate proach and emphasis on conflict were sponses to Peace Journalism: Merging results from
European Union. Moreover, Authori- covid-19 were significant in predicting
the impact of these frames, we cre- the cornerstones of this news framing. Besides, as Dr. Galtung have pointed
a four-country research study. Journalism Studies,
tarian news framing yielded “polar- their attitudes towards the European 17 (5), 628-646. https://doi.org/10.1080/146167
ated three different questionnaires In “Cooperative” news framing, ized” attitudes towards the European Union, only for the participants that out: “Peace Journalism is so reason- 0X.2014.992621.
that were answered by 251 Greek Schaefer, C.D. (2006). The Effects of Escalation vs.
European Union was depicted as Union. This means that, “extreme” were exposed to Authoritarian news able that people catch on. It’s evolu- De-escalation-orientated Conflict Coverage on the
participants. “Cooperative,” putting emphasis on responses on both sides of attitudes’ framing or to Cooperative news fram- tionary, not revolutionary. It’s not an Evaluation of Military Measures. Conflict & Commu-
cooperation, solidarity, discussion and spectrum (positive and negative) ing. Participants’ trust (or distrust) in event, it’s a process.” nication Online, 5(1), 1-17. Retrieved from: https://
Two of these questionnaires (that Media during the pandemic, wasn’t
cco.regener-online.de/2006_1/pdf_2006-1/schaefer.
were answered by 192 participants reconciliation between the member were significantly more frequent in pdf (Last access: August 14, 2023).
states and the EU institutions, as the the Authoritarian condition than in significant in predicting attitudes --Evangelos Theodorou Schuck, A.R.T., & de Vreese, C.H. (2006). Between
in total, 96 in each one), contained towards the EU for those that weren’t Risk and Opportunity: News Framing and Its Effects
a “news story” at the beginning of only way for effectively handling the the Cooperative condition and in the on Public Support for EU Enlargement. European
exposed to any frame (control group). References
each questionnaire: A news item, pandemic. The title of this news story Control Group. Boomgaarden, H. G., Schuck, A. R. T., Elenbaas, M., &
Journal of Communication, 21(1), 5–32. https://doi.
org/10.1177/0267323106060987
constructed in terms of online media was “European Commission: Only de Vreese, C. H. (2011). Mapping EU attitudes: Con-
Moreover, Authoritarian news fram- In the light of the above, media mat- ceptual and empirical dimensions of Euroscepticism
Youngblood, S. (2016). Peace Journalism Principles
content related to the handling of the through cooperation and solidarity and Practices. New York: Routledge.
ing provoked more anger to the ter. Different news framings provoke and EU support. European Union Politics, 12(2), 241-
pandemic by the European Union. between member states, we can beat 266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1465116510395411
different trains of thought and emo-
This news item was referred as “a the pandemic” and in the body of Continued on next page
Center for Global Peace Journalism: Peace Journal-
tions. Thus, investigating the impact ism Principles. Retrieved from: http://www.park.
Study shows gender imbalance in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe from pg 22

“When you are looking at journalism specifically, everyone she said.
Coverage underrepresents has the right to media freedom, everyone has the right to
Zirima also noted that in many cases, these are highly gen-
free expression. So, everyone has the right to speak. What
female political leaders we also need to look at when you are looking at gender
balance is also ensuring that all the intersectional identities
dered kinds of violence that occur alongside the broader
violence that occurs during any period of war.
When editors and reporters make decisions that increase
that people have, for example women who might be dis-
“ ”
the likelihood of peace in any story they are working on, “So, when we now
abled, women in different geographical locations, women
they are practicing peace journalism. These decisions ensure that women’s
who from different language groups, and men as well are
include framing stories in a way that facilitates peace and and men’s voices are Newsrooms with a gender
heard and their voices are also heard in critical issues,” she
carefully selecting language that will support peace initia- heard as the people
tives and peacemakers, all without sacrificing the funda-
explained. balance tend to tell stories
who write the news,
mentals of good journalism. Zirima indicated that when it comes to peace journalism, audiences can hear that are more peaceful.
there is a need for more women to speak up about vio- the various perspec-
According to Njabulo Ncube, the Zimbabwe National Editors
lence, what it means to them, and how to create long-term tives that women are
Forum’s coordinator, gender balance is critical for peace
peace in Zimbabwe. expressing. Those who are also written about, we ensure
journalism and journalism in general, and journalists should
that women are heard; they also remain at the forefront of
address gender parity in their articles and videos. Launch of VMCZ Code of ethics booklet in Bulawayo, “Throughout Zimbabwe’s history, we have heard of nu- speaking about the different difficulties that they face and
Zimbabwe. (Photo by Lungelo Ndhlovu merous incidents involving violence. This can be violence ensuring that there is long-term harmony in society,” Zirima
“For instance, reporters perpetuate the patriarchal nature
that they contain a variety of dynamics. For example, from as far back as the different wars that were fought observed.
of most African societies in Zimbabwe and the entire region
women’s expectations of being covered or fairly covered in the country. And then the different clashes that have
if they don’t put the views of women in their stories. Gen-
in an election may differ from those of men. As journalists happened in the post-independence era especially around According to May Thazin Aung, a gender and climate
der balance is crucial to ensuring peaceful coexistence not
report, they must remember that women and men have electoral issues. change specialist at the International Institute for Environ-
only in the home but throughout the country.”
not always received equal treatment.” ment and Development, newsrooms with a gender bal-
“It is important to ensure that women’s voices are heard ance tend to tell stories that are more peaceful or peace-
Ncube also indicated, “Therefore, it is imperative that the
“Journalists must always strike a gender balance and avoid and women play an active role in ensuring peace in society focused.
women who we refer to as our ‘significant others’ have a
re-enacting past inequalities; reporters must be seen to as well as men voices are heard. Ensuring that their voices
voice in order to establish that they are not subordinate
be creating a level playing field in which both female and are coming out, when we look at some of the gendered Aung noted that having a gender balance keeps media
to men. Journalists run the risk of sustaining gender-based
male voices can be heard, and journalists must avoid using issues that we see, these issues also impact how women companies from thinking that employing more men or
violence and the exploitation of women if men are depicted
language that marginalizes certain sections of our commu- experience violence and how men experience violence,” women will lead to a particular outcome, like a more
in the media as the epitome of humanity.”
nity and our women,” he added. peaceful story or a more collegiate atmosphere.
Ncube also stated that men have a greater voice in Zim-
“Then people will say women are not interested in elec- “Rather than being driven by specific outcomes, media
babwean journalism than women, despite the fact that
tions but the reality is that sometimes the environment is organizations should seek more diversity in their workforce
women account for the majority of the country’s voters.
not conducive for them to be active participants in elec- because they see the mix of perspectives, storytelling, and
“However, in order for women’s voices to be heard and to
tions,” Phiri said, indicating that when journalists encour- approaches to issues brought by people of different back-
take up space in the political, social, and economic spheres,
age violence during elections, they are actually discourag- grounds, including men and women from different classes,
journalists must make sure that their coverage of women is
ing women from participating in elections. tribes, and educational backgrounds, as an asset or unique
gender balanced,” Ncube noted.
identity of their workplace,” she said.
Godwin Phiri, the executive secretary of the Zimbabwe A recent study undertaken by the Gender and Media
Connect Zimbabwe on August 23 2024 highlighted a The Media Institute of Southern Africa’s advocacy officer,
Media Commission, concurred that peace journalism essen-
troubling pattern of women’s persistent underrepresenta- Marlvin Mukudu, concurred, acknowledging that gender
tially addresses the need for journalists to understand that
tion in political media coverage, limiting their visibility and balance in newsrooms is crucial for influencing conversa-
they need to report with harmony, peace, and unity in the
compromising the portrayal of their ideas, policies, and tions on topics like peace and even gender-based violence.
communities in mind. “Journalism should be used to foster
harmony rather than to create division. Journalism still accomplishments.
“Take the manner in which some reporters write certain
has an obligation to act in a way that unites societies after According to this study, the media primarily covered male stories for example. People have expressed dissatisfac-
elections or other sensitive times in our communities or the political figures, unintentionally reinforcing old gender tion and complained in the past about some journalistic
nation, even when there are differing opinions on specific stereotypes and prejudices. headlines, such as “a minor child having sex with an old
issues—like during an election,” he said. person.” However, it would be more accurate to say that
Patience Zirima, head of Gender and Media Connect, the youngster was raped. So, when we have more women
Phiri also indicated that peace journalism recognizes the stated that having a gender balance in the media is the in the newsrooms around peace, it means we are also go-
gender dynamics and requires journalists to be sensitive proper thing to do because gender balance ensures that ing to improve the narratives that we have or the discourse
to gender inequalities in their communities. Phiri said, “As everyone has equal access to their rights. around how certain things are shaped,” he said.
a result, peace journalism reporters must understand that
communities are neither homogeneous or monolithic, and UTexas Maps --Lungelo Ndhlovu
Continued on next page
The world often views India as
one of the world’s largest de- Journalism in India idea that India as a democracy is
really failing, that what we need
India from pg 24
mocracies, but Suchitra Vijayan- is an authoritarian leader who They both felt inadequate and hol- unilaterally designate an individual
says otherwise. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and his govern-
Reporters must toe the can just whip everybody into
control. What happened in the
lowed out. Academia was becoming
ossified with its own languages...And
as a terrorist without evidence. The
burden of proof is no longer with
ment have been especially harsh
towards critics of the regime.
line, or risk jail time U.S. is no different. Only in India, journalism had really become explain-
er journalism, which wasn’t really
the state but with the person who’s
been accused. Additionally, someone
it’s happening much faster and
Journalists who have dared criticize So what you really see is a society has been happening for a longer time. reporting about the communities that can be held without trial for years. In
the government have been harassed, that is deeply divided, that’s deeply were resisting. many of the cases, people have spent
detained, imprisoned, and even hierarchical. And as a more right-wing JS: As India is becoming more political- up to 10-15 years in prison without a
murdered. The media landscape has ethno-nationalist state has taken over ly and ethnically polarized, you argue So for me, it was very important that trial. Bail is often impossible. So you
changed dramatically. According to the country, those divisions are now the press has played a central role. we build an institution that brought essentially have laws that can arrest
Vijayan, founder and executive direc- increasingly becoming more violent, together in-depth research and long- you and hold you in prison indefinitely
tor of the Polis Project, a journalism more brutal, more entrenched within SV: While the television media 24- form journalism as a way to keep for a crime you never committed.
and research organization focused on various existing institutions. hour news channels have completely recording what’s happening, but also
sold out along with a vast majority as a way for us to understand the rela- Secondly, soon after 9-11, India cre-
authoritarianism and state oppres-
JS: In 2014, the BJP won the election of the other presses, there are still tionship between power and violence Journalist/attorney Suchitra Vijayan ated its own version of the Patriot Act
sion, 75% or more of news organiza-
by a landslide. What do you think ac- a handful of journalists in India who in this age where both academia and called the Prevention of Terrorism Act
tions are now owned by four or five bulldozed, 90 percent of the book’s
counts for this shift to the authoritar- continue to report valiantly under journalism had somehow just deeply (POTA). While POTA was repealed,
large corporations, all led by allies of material was also lost. At that point,
ian right? great odds. But the other group of disappointed the communities that many of the draconian and uncon-
Modi. Vijayan’s book, “How Long Can we realized we had to respond to that
journalists have become stenogra- they’re supposed to aid. stitutional laws were re-legislated
the Moon be Caged?,” co-authored political moment, which meant that
SV: Fascist ideology and authoritar- phers of the state, and they do this in through other criminal provisions. So
with Francesca Recchia, tells the Criminalization of dissent has been this could no longer just be a col-
ian tendencies are already very much multiple ways. now you have successfully entrenched
stories of political prisoners in India happening for quite some time now, lection of prison writings. And what
embedded within the constitution emergency provisions into the normal
today, including journalists, artists, It’s almost impossible to hear any criti- and we felt it was very important for this book really became was a story
that gives so much power to the functioning of the state, giving the In-
activists, and academics. cal commentary on the state in any of us to articulate what criminalization of centering the communities of the dian state absolute unfettered power
the mainstream media or press. Every looks like. In one project, we tried to political prisoners, making sure that over life and death of any person.
Vijayan spoke to the Making Peace we have a list of 250 political prison-
Visible podcast, produced by War instance of impropriety, violence, lack document, at least through numbers,
of action, failure of governance, these what was happening to journalists in ers who have been arrested since JS: You also wrote your book to give a
Stories Peace Stories. The podcast’s Modi came to power. So we mostly
things never get questioned. Instead, India between May 2019 and August platform to voices of resistance. Can
host is Jamil Simon. Here are some see this book as an indictment of the
they blame everything on the opposi- 2021— to document patterns of you share a story of resistance that
excerpts from that Interview: current regime, and because so much
tion. It’s as if you cannot criticize the violence that were being inflicted on inspires you?
government anymore. Second, it’s journalists. We documented 256 in- information is also disappearing from
Jamil Simon: India is one of the most
this constant absolute megalomania stances of violence, and in all of these the web, it was important for us to SV: For the few who have managed
diverse countries in the world, but
where Narendra Modi becomes the 256 instances, you really see the archive and put all of this together. to get bail, every single one of them
divisions have increased dramatically
state to control the lives of people. front and center of all power, which state being the perpetrators. Violence came out of the prison smiling and
in India in recent years. Why is that? JS: So, journalists and news outlets in
Hindutva (or Hindu nationalism) is means that the diversity of institutions included physical assaults, threats, raising slogans to continue defend-
India essentially must make a difficult ing the constitution and supporting a
Suchitra Vijayan: It’s impossible to a hundred-year-old cultural politi- erodes. And the press have been the detentions, defamation cases, arrests,
choice, either complicity with the gov- revolution that would bring equality.
articulate how diverse India is. And cal project. And with the advent of cheerleaders of this regime without in some cases sexual assaults, and
ernment or risk arrest. In this context, They don’t see this as heroic or as an
it’s exactly why we should be very 24-hour news channels, which has giving it any kind of critique or push- charging journalists with sedition.
you’ve talked about the government’s extraordinary act of moral courage.
worried. The Bharatiya Janata Party become an extended arm of the state, back. Every time the state goes after
JS: Your new book, How Long Can use of the UAPA laws. Can you illumi- They simply see resistance as an act of
(BJP) government is trying to create they captured the cultural space by a writer, a journalist, an intellectual, a
the Moon Be Caged? Voices of Indian nate us on that a little bit? survival. And I think that is a reminder
a certain kind of Indian citizen who is cultural programming, by cultivat- lawyer, a human rights defender, the
Hindu, who speaks Hindi, who thinks ing ideological foot soldiers that press is used as the rallying call for Political Prisoners, addresses this. Tell that the state with all its might has
SV: One of the ways in which the still not managed to find a way to take
a certain way. And along with India’s are stacked in every walk of life. A the arrests. The press repeats the lies me about it.
state has criminalized dissent is by away what is fundamental to the hu-
diversity exists something absolutely good 20 years before Modi comes to of the state and regularly shares false weaponizing laws. You have a series
violent and brutal, India’s caste sys- information and propaganda. SV: Initially, this book was supposed man spirit, which is to revolt, to resist,
power, you saw them occupying the of terror and sedition laws, and UAPA
tem, which has existed for thousands to be an edited anthology of prison and to fight for dignity.
cultural space, the political space, (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) is
of years, which consolidated into a JS: You founded the Polis Project to writings. But one of our researchers
the legal space, and kind of revising one of them. UAPA was first promul-
work on these issues, because journal- – an incredibly brilliant young scholar In April 2024, War Stories Peace
very specific kind of institutionalized and rewriting history, telling a Hindu gated in 1967. Over the years it’s been
ism is also being criminalized. and student leader called Afreen Stories incorporated as Making Peace
hierarchy during the colonial period. majority population that they are the amended multiple times and has been
Fatima – had her house demolished Visible. You can learn more about
And even while the Indian consti- victims, that they do not have power, called draconian, unlawful, illegal, and
SV: For the Polis Project, I think we by the Indian state without due the organization and its expanded
tution offered political equality to that somehow it is the others who in violation of various international
were all feeling very frustrated about process. Her father was arrested, all programs and listen to the podcast at
everybody post-independence, we are creating the issue. They question rules and conventions. In 2019, an
two things: academia and journalism. because they were Muslim and they www.makingpeacevisible.org .
really did not have the kind of social ideas of secularism – that secularism amendment to the UAPA laws made
equality that law kind of envisioned. were dissenting. When the house was ---Jamil Simon, Andrea Muraskin
is really what is ailing India – and this Continued on next page it possible for the government to
Webinars examine PJ challenges, opportunities Webinars from pg 26
GWU sponsors 6-week event nalists may have different perceptions of peace journalism
depending on their own professional background. The pro-
peace journalism and was titled How to Grow Peace Jour-
nalism: Lessons from Peace Journalism Practice. The first
According to the United Nations, conflicts and violence fession would benefit from more case studies of successful speaker, Vanessa Bassil, founded the Media Association for
are on the rise. However, media coverage of conflicts practices, and many journalists generally tend to be open Peace (MAP), the first NGO to focus on peace journalism in
continues to focus largely on violence and sensationalism, to peace journalism. Lebanon and the wider Middle East. She spoke about her
which research shows tends to exacerbate conflicts and personal experience with peace journalism in Lebanon. As
hurt peace processes. Peace journalism, which emerged in The final speaker was Ayesha Jehangir. She spoke about part of the first generation since the end of the civil war,
the 1960s, criticizes mainstream news coverage of con- how peace journalism reflects an open, democratic, de- she believes the media can play a role in sustaining peace
flicts, calling it “war journalism,” focused on violence, elite liberative process that can challenge “hegemonic” media in the country. Her organization has led multiple work-
voices, propaganda, and victory framing. Peace journalism practices. She then moved to speaking about the blind shops, trainings, and conferences through MAP, along with
aims to turn this type of coverage on its head, orienting spots present in peace journalism, where there is often a programs specifically designed to engage youth. MAP also
framing towards peace, people, truth, and solutions. focus on “rescuing” victims and an immediate solution, offers internship and volunteer programs, which engage
and not on the behavior of the interests driving the con- Lebanese youth and promote peace journalism. Bassil also
With the passing of Johan Galtung on February 17, 2024, flict. Jehangir distinguished “victim-centric” and “perpe- spoke about the challenges and opportunities brought on
who was considered the father of peace journalism, in trator-centric” cosmopolitanism in peace journalism. The by institutionalizing peace journalism. These, however, are
conjunction with notable changes in the media and in- first focuses on finding an immediate solution to suffering, far outweighed by the positive impacts of the work.
formation ecosystem since peace journalism was initially including military intervention or removal from the “place and through app advertising placement.
conceptualized, it seemed like an important time to re- of suffering.” Perpetrator-centric cosmopolitanism, on the Up next was a duo from War Stories Peace Stories, a peace
examine peace journalism and its future prospects in this other hand, reclaims “victimhood” and juxtaposes victims media NGO based in the US. Jamil Simon, the group’s The final speaker was Professor Steven Youngblood, found-
new context. To this end, The Media and Peacebuilding with the perpetrators of violence, with a focus on account- founder, spoke about how peacebuilding and the media ing director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism
Project at the George Washington University’s School of ability and changing the behaviors that caused suffering in are currently stuck in a negative cycle. The lack of report- and currently a Fulbright Scholar in Moldova. Youngblood
Media and Public Affairs, along with its partners, launched the first place, aiming to create a reflective and delibera- ing on peacebuilding efforts leads to a lack of awareness, spoke about the importance of bridge-building report-
a webinar series titled “How to Grow Peace Journalism” tive environment. impacting the resources and support given to peacebuilding where journalists from different sides of conflicts or
over 6 weeks during the spring of 2024. The following ing initiatives, which continues the cycle. Simon seeks to areas of tension come together. He spoke about a project
review was conducted after the first two webinars. The second webinar featured practitioners in the field of change this relationship by giving peacebuilding visibility in Turkey where young storytellers, Syrian refugees and
as a solution to conflicts. This will bring more support and Turks, created boundary crossing video projects examin-
The first webinar was titled, How to Grow Peace Journal- Continued on next page resources, allowing for more support for peacebuilding, ing refugee issues from different perspectives. Youngblood
ism: Lessons from Peace Journalism Research, and fea- turning the cycle into a positive one. Simon discussed plans also discussed another bridge-building project run with
tured Jake Lynch, Professor at the University of Sydney, for an upcoming Making Peace Visible International Sym- the East West Center in Honolulu that brought together
Meagan Doll, Research Fellow at the University of Wash- posium in 2025, in Washington, D.C., which will include a journalists from India and Pakistan. Journalists were paired
ington, and Ayesha Jehangir, Postdoctoral Fellow at the story competition in collaboration with the Pulitzer Center up in teams, with one Indian and one Pakistani journalist
University of Technology Sydney. Professor Jake Lynch, and awards for stories raising the visibility of peace. Simon working together to jointly produce stories.
who has written multiple books and articles on peace laid out three main goals for the organization: to engage
journalism, began the session by first paying tribute to editors and journalists who cover peacebuilding, sponsor In a video shown during the presentation, project partici-
Johan Galtung and described some of his contributions to projects telling stories about peacebuilding, and sponsor pants spoke about its value and the progress they believed
the field, including some of their work together. Examin- the journalists working on those projects. it had brought. Youngblood also discussed a similar project
ing research on peace journalism, Lynch discussed a study in Moldova, where he is currently based, working across
where respondents around the world were shown televi- Andrea Muraskin then spoke about the strategies WSPS the “border” with Transnistria. In his closing remarks, he
sion news about in both a “war journalism” and “peace uses to grow their audience for their podcast, Making offered his own theory on how to grow peace journalism:
journalism” formats, and found that the latter created Peace Visible, which focuses on how the media covers through compelling, impactful, and thoughtful journalism.
more positive impacts, including increasing feelings of peace and conflict. These included working with several
hope. Lynch argued that peace journalism training must partner organizations where the content could be exposed The final four webinars of this webinar series continue the
last well beyond the trainings themselves. to much larger audiences. For example, in one story on overall focus on growing peace journalism and focus on
journalism in India, a feed swap was agreed upon with learning lessons from constructive journalism (March 13),
Meagan Doll spoke next. A former journalist, the bulk of Democracy Works, where each platform hosted the other’s solutions journalism (March 20), the Global South (March
her work deals with perceptions of news, conflict report- content allowing for much greater access to that story with 27) and innovations in journalism (April 3). More informa-
ing, and media trust. Her research was based on three the additional audience. Also, Muraskin mentioned that tion on the webinar series can be found at:
factors: audience perceptions of peace journalism, how podcast listenership increased when guests promoted their https://mediapeaceproject.smpa.gwu.edu/events/
it shapes journalistic practices, and what interdisciplin- podcast sessions with their own networks on social media --Babak Bahador and Leo Weakland
ary success looks like. She found that peace journalism
is viewed as more balanced and credible, can shape how In the next edition:
conflict is viewed, and its consumers tend to be more Northern Ireland-
“hopeful and empathetic.” Doll also discussed how jour-
Kosovo PJ project

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IN THIS ISSUE

•East-West Center program unites

• Dispatches from Nepal, Zimbabwe,

• Cooperative study on Greek media

SPECIAL REPORT: Remembering PJ, peacebuilding pioneer Dr. Johan Galtung

Youth media trainings, combating disinfo, promoting PJ in the

Cover PJ in Moldova PJ world mourns pioneer’s passing

I reached my crossroads in the year 2000,

Fulbrighter inspired, energized in Moldova

State University of Moldova

Fighting disinformation on the front lines Disinfo from pg 10

Seminar promotes cross-boundary storytelling

Peacebuilding world mourns Dr. Johan Galtung Dr. Galtung from pg 14

pg 14 https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ Vol 13, No. 1 pg 15

Pakistani, Indian journalists convene

Cross border from pg 15

Cooperative news study examines Greek media Greece from pg 20

Study shows gender imbalance in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe from pg 22

Webinars examine PJ challenges, opportunities Webinars from pg 26

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