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

Cover
At seminars for middle and high
school students given by the Centrul
Media pentru Tineri (Youth Media
Center) in Moldova:
Top left-Brainstorming story ideas
in Soroca. Top right-Madalina Grosu
discusses social media. Bottom left-
Trainer Gabriel Encev discusses vid-
eo framing. Bottom right-Mapping
out a story plan in Soroca. Photos by
Centrul Media team.
About
The Peace Journalist magazine is
published by the Center for Global
Peace Journalism at Park University.
The Center ends its affiliation with
the university in August, 2024, but
will continue operating as an inde-
pendent entity, including publishing
this magazine twice annually.
The Peace Journalist magazine is
dedicated to disseminating news
and information for teachers, stu-
dents, and practitioners of PJ.
Submissions: We are seeking
shorter submissions (600 words)
detailing peace journalism projects,
classes, proposals, etc. We also
welcome longer submissions (1200
words) about peace or conflict
sensitive journalism projects or pro-
grams, as well as academic works
from the field.
Deadlines: March 3 (April edition);
September 3 (October edition).
Editor: Steven Youngblood, Director,
Center for Global Peace Journalism
Proofreading: Ann Schultis
Contact/Social Media:
steven.youngblood@
fulbrightmail.org
Twitter/X- @PeaceJourn
Facebook- Peace Journalism group
pg 2
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-
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
when I chose the unknown—a road that led to internation- Fals is so vitally important. (see pg. 10).
al engagement, including teaching and sometimes living
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
The next year, I found myself in Moldova, uncomfortable, crossroads. In one direction, determined Moldovans are
anxious, and exhilarated. Since then, I have taught in 33 paving a road towards the EU and a brighter, prosperous
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-
still occasionally anxious or uncomfortable. ganda-indoctrinated minority here, leads Moldova into
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
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.
8 Fulbright Program President Vanessa Bassil. vastly different now. Moldova then was very Soviet, very
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
20 Greece Contributors
News study reveals EU attitudes Felicia Nedzelschi (pg. 4) is Petru Macovei (pg. 10) is and harassment trainer, and filmmaker. He is founding di-
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-
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.
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
“Stop Fals” battles disinformation Expert discusses media landscape and master’s API’s main projects and pro- producer with over a decade
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
chief of the media platform the campaign 20) is a PhD student of Peace Visible.
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.
Peace Journalism is when editors and reporters make choices that improve His research interests focus
Veronica Boboc (pg. 6) tious informa-
the prospects for peace. These choices, including how to frame stories and on the impact of different
is the director of Centrul tion, “STOP
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
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
Moldova.
rick, Peace Journalism). Peace Journalism gives peacemakers a voice while on the new Master of Social the EU. School of Media and Public
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
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
embourg Peace
at https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com . based freelance contributor of the Media and
Prize in 2017 for Peacebuilding
Center for Global Peace Journalism his contributions
to peace jour-
for the Thomson Reuters
Founda- Project at GW.
Leo Weakland (pg. 26) is the
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
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
magazine, blog, and other resources, the Center encourages media to reject for Global Peace Journalism, expert, social media security the GW’s El-
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
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
religious minorities, women, youth, and migrants. winning documentary Affairs.
Vol 13, No. 1
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ pg 3

PJ becomes a ‘necessary
alternative’ in Moldova
Propaganda, disinfo, conflicts
challenge regional journalists
The Republic of Moldova has always been a playground
for the great forces, both territorially and ideologically. As
a result, in the Moldovan space, in spite of its extremely
compact area, large numbers of concepts intersect and
ideas collide. What about propaganda? We’ve got it. The
impact of the Russia-Ukraine war next door? We feel it.
Hybrid warfare? Of course! Ethnic and linguistic conflicts?
Definitely. A separatist zone? Sure thing! Minorities and
discrimination? Absolutely! The fact that we still remain
“sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania” (according to
a cliché many Western journalists seem to be fond of), that
is, between the EU and the war unleashed by Putin, also
has an enormous impact on us.
This hodge-podge of circumstances has been quite a chal-
lenge for our entire nation, and I’m not afraid to assume
it has also raised and developed a very specific variety
of journalism. The current Moldovan journalism is, to a
certain extent, the grandchild of the type that journalism
poets and writers were involved in, but it also descends
from the party press. Writing and complying with the
standards of independent journalism has been a long and
complicated route. Large-scale changes have been taking
place only during the last 15 years.
As they are not rooted in any secular traditions of journal-
ism and stay in the epicenter of rather specific geopoliti-
cal circumstances, it seems to me that what Moldovan
journalists have managed to do for diversifying the way we
work for the press is an enormous progress. In this con-
text, I would like to refer to solutions journalism, construc-
tive journalism, and peace journalism.
Comprehending Peace Journalism
Peace journalism is a relatively new concept in general,
and it is even a newer one for the Republic of Moldova.
Peace journalism is about selecting the way to present
a certain topic and a story in order to contribute to non-
violence and settling conflicts. It is a concept which helps
us see things differently and raises existential questions:
“But isn’t journalism supposed to be combative?;” “But is
it a journalist’s role to act as a peacemaker?;” “But doesn’t
peace journalism exclude investigations, news about il-
legalities, or debunking?”
As a journalist from Eastern Europe, residing in a country
Continued on next page
pg 4
April 2024
(Top)-A Ukrainian refugee holding his dog under his jacket,
at the Moldovan border point Palanca, March 2022. Photo
by: Andrei Gagiu/AGORA.md
(Bottom)-Journalist Viorica Tataru filming a protester in Ti-
raspol on the day she was detained authorities on the left
bank of the Dniester River. Photo by: Andrei Captarenco.
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
April 2024
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)
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
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
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.
Moldovan Realities In my opinion, direct involvement in a territorial, ethnic, or
Those who promote peace journalism affirm that this ideological conflict makes it harder to practice peace jour-
genre offers space for alternative voices in reporting, hu- nalism. It is a real challenge journalists in Moldova have
man stories which contribute to peaceful conflict settle- to face and to process in order to consciously choose the
ment, assuming that fact-checking and impartiality are point of view of the topic to be covered. It can also serve as
essential. Besides, journalists should also be careful about a test of personal and professional maturity and a choice
the language they use in their materials and the way it we must go through in the context of our own generational
could help avoid, limit, or prevent conflicts from escalating. and geographical traumas.
Therefore, some journalists and media outlets from Mol-
dova may have practiced peace journalism without even Meanwhile, the Moldovan press demonstrated implemen-
knowing its name. tation of peace journalism practices as soon as the Russian
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
va registered a spectacular progress in the Press Freedom examples of their integration, reports from their new jobs
Index, ranking 28th out of 180 monitored states in 2023, in the Republic of Moldova, the newly founded communi-
the circumstances for practicing peace journalism have be- ties, holidays celebrated here, and these people’s contribu-
come more favorable. It should be kept in mind, tion to our society. When the war started, and
however, that editorial independence is a crucial PJ in Moldova a trend of blaming refugees for “merely receiv-
factor for implementing this concept. ing money” and “making a mess” emerged on
social networks, a team of journalists success-
In the recent years, especially after the change of fully investigated where exactly this rhetoric had
governmental authorities and the outbreak of the started and verified the facts, thus neutralizing
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-
ment broadcast authorities prohibited airing Russian news- A Necessary Alternative
casts on radio and TV. Later, the Information and Security Peace journalism has started making its way into the Mol-
Service of Moldova issued orders top block a number of dovan media landscape. At the 2023 Mass Media Forum,
online resources which were spreading fake news and incit- a separate discussion was dedicated to this journalistic
ing hatred, mass disorders, or war in the messages they genre, and Moldova State University and Bogdan Petriceicu
shared. These steps certainly could not eradicate Russian Hasdeu State University in Cahul initiated this media course
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-
tory, the year which begins with two large-scale wars, one
Therefore, the purified media implies that we are able to in Ukraine and another one in Gaza, that underscore the
start practicing new journalistic styles. However, Moldovan necessity of providing balanced, peace-oriented reporring.
realities make me suggest that peace journalism is more
easily adopted when you are not involved in any conflicts. This year, the Republic of Moldova will have presidential
elections and a referendum on the EU accession. The elec-
The Transnistrian Conflict VS. the War in Ukraine tions are a test for every journalist and will certainly trigger
As mentioned, there are 1500 Russian troops stationed in a deluge of Russian propaganda once again. At the times
the breakaway region of Transnistria, which declared its when people in our country could be provoked against
independence in 1992 but it unrecognized by any other each other again, peace journalism can actually make a
nation. The frozen (or not-so-frozen) conflict in the Trans- difference. Avoiding borrowed narratives and revealing not
nistrian region makes many people adopt a categorical po- just bare facts but also empathy in our materials will be
sition when covering this topic in the media. The problem more important than ever.
seems to become even more personal when journalists --Felicia Nedzelschi
Vol 13, No. 1 pg 5
At YMC seminars, trainer Natalia Strogoteanu discuss-
es media literacy (left); while students create short
videos (right) on their phones.
Youth Media Centre enlightens Moldovans
Amid disinformation,
programs focus on
media, news literacy
Two years ago, we understood the
depth of the word “peace.” On 24
February 2022, when Ukraine was
invaded by Russian troops, part of the
Youth Media Centre (Centrul Media
pentru Tineri) team was conducting a
media literacy training in the south of
our country and the rest of the YCM
team were watching the news in hor-
ror, finding it hard to accept reality.
With the war in Ukraine, the process
of disinformation and propaganda
intensified in the online and tradi-
tional media space in Moldova, aimed
at manipulating, inducing fear, panic,
and chaos, and creating a false illusion
of reality. Now, we can say with all
certainty that Moldova is the epicen-
ter of the information war.
For the Youth Media Centre team,
the war has meant major challenges
in addition to opportunities and ac-
tions. We realized how important
and necessary media literacy is, to
face the wave of misinformation, fake
news, and propaganda from Russia.
Young people are the most vulner-
able and exposed because they do not
pg 6
have enough critical thinking skills or
information resilience and are more
present online. Statistical data show
that social media is the main source
of information for young people in
Moldova.
What is the Youth Media Centre?
We have been operating for more
than 20 years and are recognized as
an NGO that creates opportunities for
education, development, participa-
tion, and free expression for youth.
YMC’s team consists of 12 profession- We have training tools and activities
als in journalism, communication,
multimedia production and
trainers for informal digital PJ in Moldova
and media literacy activities.
Every year, we interact
in training with at least
1000 young people from all over the
country. All our training and informa-
tion tools aim to help young people
better understand various information
processes, digital and online safety
challenges, develop critical informa-
tion consumption, encourage civic
journalism, create media products
that promote participation, freedom
of expression, values of tolerance and
non-discrimination. This school year,
students have also had training in
peace media.
YMC has its own studio and produc-
April 2024
tion equipment, which offers the pos-
sibility to produce multimedia prod-
ucts. We are asked to make video
and photo reports, human stories,
case studies, gather sound bites, and
get involved in the development and
implementation of media campaigns
to inform and raise awareness. Our
partners are donor organizations,
public institutions, and civil society
organizations in the country.
YMC activities
that we have developed over the
years based on experience,
interaction and feedback
from young people.
YMC sponsors Media Camp,
a 4-day summer school for
young people aged 15-18,
aimed at increasing young people’s
media literacy and multimedia con-
tent creation skills.
We also sponsor Media Quiz, a con-
test called, “Who stole the billion?”
It is an offline game, the only one of
its kind in the country, developed by
the YMC team, which aims to develop
critical thinking as well as digital skills
in an interactive and suspenseful way.
The game can involve 20-22 students
Continued on next page
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
Youth media from pg 6
who examine the materials and then
and draw conclusions.
YMC also runs Media Tour, which is a
journey of several days in the regions
of the country where 5-10 young
people learn to identify topics, what
storytelling is, how to tell stories from
their own community, to write scripts
on various topics, and together with
the YMC team, produce video reports.
These are placed online and distrib-
uted in the public space, promoting
youth’s participation, their aspira-
tions, and the realities they face.
The sitcom “Alone at Home” (Singura
Acasa in Romanian) is YMC-produced
comedy series, which tackles current
media literacy issues in an entertain-
ing and accessible way for the public.
The protagonists are Mihaela and
Vadim, two siblings whose mother is
abroad. Left alone at home, they and
their friends learn to overcome some
of the challenges and stereotypes
they face, and to make informed deci-
sions and change their attitudes. The
series offers solutions to the challeng-
es youth face every day. The series
now has 10 episodes, each lasting
5-15 minutes.
YMC oversees a network of eight
Media Clubs in the country equipped
with technical equipment (video
camera, laptop for editing, tripod, mi-
crophone, light, etc.). Young people
involved in Media Clubs receive
training and mentoring sessions with
the YMC team. Young people learn to
be civic journalists in their locality, to
spot problems in the community, to
report and to find solutions.
Another YMC media literacy activitity
is the #media10tion network of media
literacy promoters. These are young
people informed and trained on me-
dia literacy and critical thinking by the
YMC team. After training the trainer
sessions, they organize media literacy
activities with young people in their
communities - high school, youth
Vol 13, No. 1
center, student council. Through the
promoters, in 2023 over 600 young
people were informed about pluralism
of opinion, AI, deep fake, and other
topics relevant to media literacy.
YMC sponsors Abraziv, an online
youth platform that informs and
educates youth through engaging
content. Video products rnclude
sound bites, short shows, and satirical
sketches. Abraziv gives young people
the opportunity to become content
creators, as some of the producers
of Abraziv’s columns are volunteers.
At the moment, the Abraziv platform
has a community of 16K followers
on Facebook; over 3.8K followers on
Instagram, and 28K followers and over
1 million likes on TikTok.
YMC has programs in both Romanian
and Russian languages. Najdacika is a
platform for young Russian speakers
in the Republic of Moldova that aims
to diversify the content of Russian lan-
guage information on social networks.
The current realities, the hybrid war,
and the high number of propagandis-
tic pro-Kremlin sources in the Repub-
lic of Moldova make it necessary to
develop a local informational platform
to increase the informational resil-
ience among young Russian speakers
from our country. Najdacika has 2.2K
WHERE TO FIND THE YOUTH
MEDIA CENTER ONLINE:
Website:
https://tineri.md/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/centrul.
media.pentru.tineri/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cen-
trulmedia/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@centrul-
media
YMC YouTube channel:
http://bit.ly/2jbN3pt
April 2024
followers on Instagram, 4K followers
on TikTok, and is similarly accessible
on YouTube and Facebook.
YMC’s response to the info war
Starting in 2022, the YMC team has
introduced training modules on deep
fakes, image manipulation and other
manipulation tools mainly used on so-
cial media. Similarly, we cover topics
on debunking trolls and fake profiles
that incite hatred and public disorder.
In 2023, thanks to collaboration with
Steven Youngblood, the director of
the Center for Global Peace Journal-
ism and Fulbright Scholar in Moldova
(see pg. 6), we were able to diversify
our media education training with
another module, - peace journalism.
In the fall, Youngblood and the YMC
team of trainers went to three locali-
ties in the country-Ungheni, Soroca
and Cimislia. Students (14-18) were
informed about the responsibility to
promote peace through the content
they create and distribute (share)
online. Young people learned about
the ethics of journalists in wartime,
and how to promote peace and write
about conflict situations. More peace
media seminars are planned for April
and May.
YMC’s focus on serving rural areas is
important. Some young people from
communities far from the capital,
through YMC activities, have had their
first opportunity to participate in
media trainings. Even though Moldova
is a small country in terms of territory,
few organizations reach out to rural
communities, and even fewer interact
with young people on media literacy.
In 2023, the YMC team managed
to conduct media literacy activities
for 1400 young girls and boys from
all over the country, including from
Russian-speaking ethnic minority
communities in both the North of
Moldova and the semi-autonomous
region of Gagauzia.
--Veronica Boboc
pg 7

Fulbrighter inspired, energized in Moldova
Prof “treasures” his collaborations
with students, media, and NGOs
My three Fulbright scholarships have unquestionably been
the pinnacle of my professional life. This nine-month Ful-
bright in Moldova (probably my last) has provided me the
opportunity to grow professionally in ways I never thought
possible.
A glimpse into my many activities during my Fulbright here
will help provide some context.
State University of Moldova
My assignment is at the State University of Mol-
dova (USM), in the journalism department (fac- PJ in Moldova posts, the words and images that they use, and
ulty). The department has structured my Fulbright
as a “lector invitat,” a guest lecturer, in peace
journalism. What this means is that I do not have
my own classes per se.
This arrangement has its advantages. I am able to still con- gizing group about peace media, and disinformation. It
centrate on peace journalism. I get to teach each students
in the department twice—once in the fall, and once in the
spring. The biggest advantage is avoiding the most onerous why it is spread, and how to combat it. I was impressed. I
aspects of university teaching, grading and course adminis- gave them an exercise where they had to circle unverified
tration. No papers for me! And no gradebook or grades. he information or disinformation, and underline phrases that
disadvantage is that I don’t really get to know the stu-
dents, since they just see me for an hour and a half in the
fall, and another hour and a half in the spring.
My classes, 90 minutes long, have been good for the most
part. Just like any university I’ve taught at, there are a
group of highly engaged students in each class who are
extremely attentive and eagerly participate in exercises
and discussions. Just like any university, cell phones are a
scourge, distracting students and professors alike. A side
note: I’d estimate that 80% of my students are women.
I also got to attend and present at an academic confer-
ence at USM titled, “Integration through research and
innovation.” In the journalism/communications section, 13
presenters gave interesting information on a wide range of
topics, including advertising agencies in Moldova, reality
TV, women’s roles in mass media in Romania, and commu-
nication’s relationship to regional politics. My presentation
was short, introducing peace journalism, then discussing
how its principles might apply to coverage of the Israel-
Gaza and Ukraine-Russia wars.
Centrul Media pentru Tineri
I love working with kids, and my Fulbright has given me the
opportunity to do this, thanks to the Centrul Media pentru
Tineri (Youth Media Center-CMT). As part of a CMT team,
pg 8
April 2024
I tagged along with trainers to do youth media skills and
media literacy trainings in Soroca, Cimislia, and Ungheni.
My presentation to the youth was on Peace Media, which
I defined as “When content creators, media consumers,
and social media users make choices that can create an
environment (online and in person) more conducive to
peace.” This made it more applicable to and personal for
the students, who after all create, consume, and dissemi-
nate/share information daily, especially on social media.
The students and I then discussed the choices that they,
as creators, consumers, and disseminators, can make that
create an atmosphere more conducive to peace. These
three choices regard how they frame their
what posts they share, and why. Are they peace-
ful?
The CMT held a Media Camp reunion in Chi-
sinau in December. I addressed the energized and ener-
seemed like there was nothing the students didn’t know
about disinformation, including its definition, how and
damage peace. The students easily passed this test with
flying colors.
In a mistake of epic proportions, CMT invited me to make
my acting debut as one of the co-stars of a YouTube serial
it produces called “Singura Acasa” (Home Alone). These
shows deliver a socially important message to young view-
ers about misinformation and stereotypes in an accessible,
Continued on next page
Gabriel Encev and S. Youngblood on “Singura Acasa,” a
program produced by the Youth Media Center in Moldova.
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
Fulbright from pg 8
entertaining format. My performance is nothing if not
entertaining, though I’m not sure if viewers will be laugh-
ing at me or with me. (See link).
Orizont Lyceum
Did I mention I love working with kids? Thus, when I got
the chance to visit and work with a class of fifth graders at
Orizont Lyceum, I jumped at the chance.
I visited the kids and their dedicated teacher Lucia Jardan
about a half dozen times, engaging them in discussions
ranging from disinformation to live in the U.S. to hate
speech. The students were terrific—very, very energetic;
very, very willing to share (one girl almost insisted); and
very, very inquisitive. For example, once when I asked
if they had seen disinformation and fake news on social
media, everyone’s hand shot up. They gave examples that
they’ve seen on social media, everything from fake cash
prizes to lies about the Ukraine war to the zombie apoca-
lypse, which according to the students did not occur (or at
least, has not yet occurred). I asked how they knew if news
is false, and got some sophisticated answers, including
considering what source it comes from, and whether the
news could be verified with a Google search. We discussed
Russian disinformation themes spread in Moldova.
Other presentations and projects
In March, 20 journalists from different regions of Moldova,
including the break-away republic of Transnistria, gathered
for a 3.5 day seminar itled, “Media Academy: Peace Jour-
nalism Principles and Applications.” See pg. 12 for details.
I taught two sessions at the Moldova Journalism School.
I worked with a cohort of 15 professionals at the school,
which offers something like a certificate program but not
a degree like a university. My sessions introduced peace
journalism, and discussed how PJ applies to refugee
reporting—a hot topic here in Moldova, given the number
of Ukrainian refugees.
Vol 13, No. 1
April 2024
At Orizont Lyceum in
Chisinau, enthusiastic fifth
graders discuss hate speech
and disinformation.
In December, I attended and presented at the Media Fo-
rum, the most important event of the media calendar year.
For me, the highlight was an enlightening presentation on
Russian disinformation tactics and motives from Marian
Voicu, a TV journalist and fact checker (Verdica.ro) from
Romania.
My presentation at the forum, Peace Journalism: Principles
and Applications, was well attended. About half were
Russian speakers, meaning that I had to navigate three
languages even though I speak only two (English and Ro-
manian). At any rate, the audience was curious and didn’t
hesitate to ask questions—qualities I always love. The most
animated discussion was about peace journalism and war,
and how the principles I laid out might apply in practice.
The forum opened with speeches by Moldovan President
Maia Sandu and U.S. Ambassador Kent Logsdon about the
importance of a vibrant, free press in Moldova.
I gave a lecture in Cahul in October. The attendees, a mix
of English learners at the Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State
University, seemed to be responsive to my presentation
about media and peace journalism, and, implicitly, their
role as media consumers. We discussed the use of images
from conflict zones, and when and if it’s appropriate to
show bloody, horrifying photos and videos.
I wrote two articles for an innovative website Media Azi
(Media Today), which “…Publishes relevant information
in the field of media on a daily basis in order to explain
phenomena, tendencies, and problems related to the in-
formation space in the Republic of Moldova to the general
public.” In my first column, I discussed how “Media are
stuck on traditional narratives about refugees.” In my sec-
ond article, I laid out how “Peace Journalism offers the key
to responsible refugee reporting.”
In April, I am making a visit to Bucharest, Romania to give
Continued on next page
pg 9
 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
pg 10 https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ Vol 13, No. 1 pg 11
 April 2024 April 2024

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
pg 12 https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ Vol 13, No. 1 pg 13

Peacebuilding world mourns Dr. Johan Galtung
Dr. Johan Galtung, widely recognized as the father of peace
journalism and of academic peace studies, passed away
in February, 2024 at the age of 93. A complete history of
his remarkable, impactful life can be found on Galtung’s
Transcend International website- https://www.transcend.
org/tms/2024/02/memorial-prof-johan-galtung-24-oct-
1930-17-feb-2024-rip/ .
The following are two remembrances of Dr. Galtung. --Ed
Dr. Johan Galtung:
A Personal Recollection
I first met Johan Galtung in 1997 at Taplow Court, a stately
home in southern England in use as UK cultural centre for
a Japanese-based Buddhist Group, the Soka Gakkai Inter-
national. Indra Adnan, a friend who worked at the centre,
created a series of events to honour Buddhist traditions of
peace, and – since my partner, Annabel McGoldrick and I
both worked as journalists – a media-themed workshop
felt like a natural choice. Johan’s published dialogue with
Daisaku Ikeda, the SGI president who died last year, made
him a natural choice to lead it.
Decades earlier, Galtung had published – with co-author
Mari Holmboe Ruge, in the Journal of Peace Research –
an article that was to prove highly influential in the study
of journalism. The 1965 Galtung-Ruge essay, titled ‘The
Structure of Foreign News’, tilted the emphasis away from
journalists’ own individual tastes and prejudices, as deter-
minants of news content, and towards the economic and
political structures in which the news was conceived, com-
missioned, gathered, and published.
When it came to covering conflicts, the commercially-driven
appetite for discrete, large-scale and impactful events, as
the basis for each new story, tended to downgrade and oc-
clude conflict dynamics operating in between such events
– and driving the processes that led up to them.
The concern was over the meanings audiences would make, almost uncanny recapitulation of Johan’s main points from
in response to such a pattern of representation, and the
influence on their expectations as to what would happen
next, and the spectrum of possible conflict responses. With of friction.
no opportunity to appreciate underlying relations of cause
and effect, there would be no apparent point in considering I had invited my boss, Nick Pollard – then newly appointed
how to divert these along different paths. “People act on
their image of reality,” Johan wrote – and the media, with
daily coverage of selected conflicts, and wide reach, were a strengths and weaknesses of television journalism. The
good candidate as “number one image-former.”
News about conflict could therefore be seen as a problem,
requiring a solution. Mainstream coverage was oriented
pg 14
April 2024
Dr. Johan Galtung (left) with Dr. Jake Lynch and Philippines
journalist, war correspondent and Ph.D. student Maria
Frencie Carreon in Sydney in 2010.
towards violence, propaganda, elites and victory – so the
remedial strategy of Peace Journalism would adopt the
opposite of these. Hence the famous four orientations to-
wards peace (and conflict as opposed to merely violence);
truth, people, and solutions. These, Johan summarised –
at Annabel’s request – on a single sheet of A4, for circula-
tion at the Taplow event.
Johan himself was principal speaker, of course, to an audi-
ence composed mainly of journalists. Two of the more
senior participants came from one of Britain’s biggest
newspapers, the Mirror Group, then hurriedly looking to
recalibrate coverage of and from Northern Ireland (or the
North of Ireland) in light of the peace process underway
there.
Peace Journalism has gone through the three phases of
response famously set out by Arthur Schopenhauer to any
significant new idea: first ridicule, then violent opposition,
then acceptance as self-evident.
The call for improvements in coverage of Gaza, signed
by nearly 300 Australian journalists last year, reads as an
a quarter-of-a-century earlier, so maybe we are now in the
third phase. Back in 1997, however, there were some signs
Head of News at British Sky Broadcasting – to give a guest
presentation, which dealt largely in generalities about the
wisdom of this decision began to be called into question
when Johan, frustrated at this diversion from what he saw
Continued on next page
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
Dr. Galtung from pg 14
as the main thread of discussion, informed Nick he was
talking “bullshit.”
Later, I was honoured to take up Johan’s invitation to join
him as co-facilitator in a training workshop in Amman for
journalists from Jardan, Egypt, Israel and Palestine – a
chance to appreciate at close quarters the incisive quality
of his versatile and creative thinking.
By 2010, I had exchanged life as a TV reporter and present-
er for a university post, and organised the biennial confer-
ence of IPRA, the International Peace Research Association,
at Sydney University. To be in the packed auditorium for
Johan’s spellbinding keynote presentation was to feel the
hairs on the back of one’s neck prickle with intellectual
excitement.
On that same trip to Australia, Johan joined me to launch
our monograph, Reporting Conflict: New Directions in
Peace Journalism, published by Queensland University
Press, at a venerable institution of Sydney literary life, the
iconic Gleebooks. It is from that event that the picture is
taken, with Frencie Carreon, a veteran Philippines journal-
ist who was studying, at that time, for her Ph.D. under my
supervision.
Johan Galtung’s thinking is every bit as vital now as at any
time during his long, productive, and highly influential life
as one of the great thinkers of our age. To follow stories in
western media of conflict in Gaza or Ukraine – to mention
just two current examples – is to feel the familiar pressure
to reject understanding and explanation as tantamount to
justification and excuse-making for the conduct of the war-
ring parties.
Reopening those distinctions is crucial to making, keeping
and building peace. Johan’s signature concepts – of struc-
tural and cultural violence, and indeed Peace Journalism
itself – are, in turn, crucial in doing so. That they now loom
large in mainstream debates is testimony to his prescience
in raising, elaborating and developing them in his role as an
intellectual pioneer.
--Jake Lynch
Dr. Johan Galtung:
“Gracious and Humble”
I was privileged to collaborate with Dr. Galtung on several
occasions. I interviewed him for my textbook “Peace Jour-
nalism Principles and Practices” in 2015. We spent an af-
ternoon eating pizza, sipping tea, and talking about peace,
peace journalism, and the state of media. It’s among the
most fascinating three hours I’ve ever spent. Dr. Galtung
Vol 13, No. 1
April 2024
was polite, gracious, and humble. Even well into his 80’s
at the time, Dr. Galtung’s intellectual light burned bright.
In fact, there were times during our visit that I noticed
Dr. Galtung slowing down to explain things to me, not in
a condescending way, but as a colleague and friend. His
observations were insightful and profound, and integral to
the success of my book.
Subsequently, I corresponded occasionally with Dr. Gal-
tung up until the last few years. I would sometimes send
him questions from my students, and he would answer. (Q:
“If journalists believe in peace journalism, shouldn’t they
advocate more directly for peace?” A: “If they advocate,
they cease to become journalists. Journalists who believe
in peace can best advocate by giving a voice to peacemak-
ers, and by practicing peace journalism.”) On Twitter, he
would re-tweet my posts, and often promote my peace
journalism work in the process, urging his legions of fol-
lowers to read The Peace Journalist magazine, or check out
my blog. Of course, I was thrilled by his kind words.
Dr. Galtung was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in
2017, and made the short list of 32 individuals who were
considered for the prize (he didn’t win). His nomination,
from Prof. Richard Falk of Princeton University and the
Univ. of California-Santa Barbara, stated, “Johan Galtung
has been the sort of dedicated warrior for peace that it
seems to me the Nobel Prize was created to honor. By so
doing, (this will) raise public consciousness of what must
happen if we are to overcome the war system and enjoy
the material, political, and spiritual benefits of living in a
world of peace premised on the nonviolent resolution of
disputes among sovereign states...
“For decades Johan Galtung has been an inspirational
presence in the field of peace studies broadly conceived.
His exceptional vitality and mobility has brought this mes-
sage of understanding and insight into peace with justice
to the four corners of the planet... He invented and es-
tablished the field of peace studies as a respected subject
of study in institutions of higher learning throughout the
world...Johan Galtung has reached the hearts and minds
of thousands of people throughout the world, convey-
ing the belief above all that peace is possible through the
dedicated efforts of ordinary people,” wrote Dr. Falk.
Thanks to Dr. Galtung, we now understand that peace is
much more than just the absence of war, and that me-
dia have a role to play in mitigating conflict. Even after
his passing, Dr. Galtung’s work will continue to provide a
much-need beacon to light our path through these dark,
troubled times.
--Steven Youngblood
pg 15
 April 2024
Pakistani, Indian journalists convene
Group meets for cross border reporting seminar in Nepal
Introduction
The East-West Center, dedicated to
promoting better relations between
the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region,
launched a project titled “Reporting
on Cross-Border Issues of Mutual
Concern” in 2020 for 80 Indian and
Pakistani journalists. The first phase
of the project included subject matter
seminars (economy, environment, ag-
riculture, and health) as well as more
generalized seminars on multimedia
production and peace journalism. As
part of the project, journalists from
each country are working together
as a team on a cross-border media
story to be published or broadcast
within the region and on the project’s
website (https://www.journalistsfor-
change. org/). The first cohort met
online, then in person in Kathmandu,
Nepal in 2022.
The project continued in January,
2024 with a second cohort that also
met in Kathmandu. The focus this
time was on environment. Partici-
pants from India and Pakistan teamed
up to report environmental stories of
common interest. They also learned
At the Cross Border the basics of peace journalism and
reporting seminar multimedia production. The trainers
in Nepal in Janu- were Laura Ungar from the Associated
ary, a participant Press, Steven Youngblood from the
interviews a flood Center for Global Peace Journalism,
survivor (top); while and Steve Rice, Randall Smith, and
trainer Laura Ungar Sara Shipley Hiles from the University
discusses climate of Missouri.
change
Below is a column about the Cross
reporting.
Border project from Lubna Jerar Naqvi
from Pakistan who was a participant
in the first cohort, and a speaker,
panelist, and mentor in the second
cohort. --Ed
“I have never met a Pakistani be-
fore,” said Diwash Gahatraj, an Indian
journalist. “This is the first time I am
meeting a Pakistani.”
pg 16 https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ Vol 13, No. 1
April 2024
This remark caused a lot of commo- countries. Food is a big part of the cul-
tion in the group of Pakistani journal- ture in both countries, so it was quite
ists gathered in Kathmandu in January, natural for this bonding to be over a
mostly friendly surprise. The Pakistani meal.
group had so many questions for Di-
wash, and he also had several interest- Peace cannot be achieved without
ing things to ask about Pakistan and struggle, and it may be the toughest
seemed pleasantly surprised by some and easiest thing to do. And that is ex-
of the answers. actly what the East-West Center (EWC)
has achieved through its Cross-Border
The pleasure Diwash was feeling was Media Programs which bring journal-
obvious from the smile and love in his ists from Pakistan and India together,
eyes. The love at the table seemed providing a platform for these profes-
to form a warm, fuzzy feeling around sionals to talk to one another about
the table despite the cold winter night life in their country.
outside.
It is interesting to see how EWC
This was the first night before a week-workshops play a role in melting
long cross-border media workshop, some ice between groups from both
and already seeds of friendship were countries. By bringing journalists from
being sown. both countries together, EWC allows
“ ”
journalists like Diwash
After the initial greetings, to meet their colleagues
he was invited to join the I have never met a from across the border
meal and as usual the con- Pakistani before. that they would prob-
versation just flowed. His ably never meet.
remark about never meet-
ing a Pakistani before this workshop The workshop helps start the process
became a running joke among the of sharing differences, misconcep-
group evoking laughter from all. tions, and even dislikes to be debated
to help begin the process of peace,
Diwash’s remark had sparked off an friendship, goodwill, and life-long
instant conversation punctuated with camaraderie. Soon the groups of
surprised and endearing comments. Pakistani and Indian journalists are
Diwash spoke Hindi and the Pakistani comparing cuisine and culture; talk-
group Urdu but since both languages ing about music, literature, dance,
are quite similar the conversation clothes, and theatre; speaking about
was going strong. They joked and their idols from across the border; and
discussed similarities and differ- so much more.
ences between the countries – about
cuisine; culture; music and of course EWC kicked off the new year in Asia by
Bollywood (the Indian film industry). organizing a week-long workshop in
Kathmandu, Nepal from January 5 to
It was not long before Diwash was 10, 2024, inviting ten journalists each
part of this Pakistani group, and any-
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
journalist, and I were invited to speak
Sharing food and breaking the same on a panel organized by Steven Young-
roti (bread), a strong bond was
formed which would be hard to break Continued on next page
even when they all returned to their
pg 17
 April 2024 April 2024

Cross border from pg 15

blood. We were to discuss an article
we had worked on “Transgender ac-
tivists highlight the impacts of climate
change and environmental issues on
the community” in 2022.
The focus of this article was the
Pakistani and Indian journalists:
‘How we use our cross-border training’
vulnerable and marginalized com-
munity which had a big impact. An
interesting point was discovered
while working on this project that
the transgender community in India
had more space to work and express
themselves compared to Pakistan.
The Pakistani transgender community
is still struggling under societal pres-
sures and living as sub-humans on the
fringes of society.
Pakistan’s transgender community is
brave and resilient but dealing with
many obstacles at the same time.
Prominent members of the communi-
ty were interested in interacting with
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
pg 18 https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/ Vol 13, No. 1 pg 19
 April 2024 April 2024

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
story was “Euro-
This is what our European citizens are re- pean Commission:
study, titled “Co- Member states
operation versus sponsive to the ways in
must comply with
Authoritarianism in which the mass media cover Union’s direc-
times of covid-19: EU politics and policies. tions to beat the
The positive impact pandemic” and
of Cooperative in the body of this news story was
news framing on Greeks’ attitudes highlighted that, if member-states
towards the European Union”, have don’t comply with European Union’s
found. directions against the pandemic of
In our study, we examined the impact covid-19, they may face economic
of two different –and antithetic- news punishment. “Us vs them”/“good guys
framings on Greeks’ attitudes towards vs bad guys” reporting, punitive ap-
the European Union. To investigate proach and emphasis on conflict were
the impact of these frames, we cre- the cornerstones of this news framing.
ated three different questionnaires In “Cooperative” news framing,
that were answered by 251 Greek
European Union was depicted as
participants. “Cooperative,” putting emphasis on
cooperation, solidarity, discussion and
Two of these questionnaires (that
were answered by 192 participants reconciliation between the member
states and the EU institutions, as the
in total, 96 in each one), contained
a “news story” at the beginning of only way for effectively handling the
each questionnaire: A news item, pandemic. The title of this news story
constructed in terms of online media was “European Commission: Only
content related to the handling of the through cooperation and solidarity
pandemic by the European Union. between member states, we can beat
This news item was referred as “a the pandemic” and in the body of
pg 20
were similar, regarding age, educa-
tional level, gender, income and politi-
cal ideology. They took part in the sur-
vey from November 17 to December
11, 2021. Construction of measures
of attitudes was based on previous
researches (e.g. Boomgaarden et al.,
2011; Gabel & Palmer, 1995; Schuck
& de Vreese, 2006) and on items used
by Standard Eurobarometer, espe-
cially during pandemic.
Our study found that, respondents
exposed to Authoritarian news fram-
ing, evaluated more negatively the
handling of the pandemic by the
European Union. Moreover, Authori-
tarian news framing yielded “polar-
ized” attitudes towards the European
Union. This means that, “extreme”
responses on both sides of attitudes’
spectrum (positive and negative)
were significantly more frequent in
the Authoritarian condition than in
the Cooperative condition and in the
Control Group.
Moreover, Authoritarian news fram-
ing provoked more anger to the
Continued on next page
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
condition and to the Control Group)
and their responses were much more
“moderate”, much less polarized.
Furthermore, respondents exposed
to Cooperative news framing, evalu-
ated more positively the image of the
European Union in the news story
they read (“Cooperative” European
Union), in comparison to respondents
exposed to Authoritarian news fram-
ing (“Authoritarian” European Union).
Another interesting finding of our
study was that, participants’ attitudes
regarding their trust (or distrust)
in Media during the pandemic of
covid-19 were significant in predicting
their attitudes towards the European
Union, only for the participants that
were exposed to Authoritarian news
framing or to Cooperative news fram-
ing. Participants’ trust (or distrust) in
Media during the pandemic, wasn’t
significant in predicting attitudes
towards the EU for those that weren’t
exposed to any frame (control group).
In the light of the above, media mat-
ter. Different news framings provoke
different trains of thought and emo-
tions. Thus, investigating the impact
Vol 13, No. 1
the principles of Peace Journalism had
a positive impact on audience’s emo-
tions (promoting hope and empathy)
and thoughts (favoring non-violent/
cooperative responses to address the
structural causes of a problem). On
the contrary, as García-Perdomo et al.
(2022) have found, war frame report-
ing caused the opposite results.
“European citizens are responsive to
the ways in which the mass media
cover EU politics and policies” (de
Vreese & Boomgaarden, 2016, 237)
and this is why we should embrace
Peace Journalism.
Besides, as Dr. Galtung have pointed
out: “Peace Journalism is so reason-
able that people catch on. It’s evolu-
tionary, not revolutionary. It’s not an
event, it’s a process.”
--Evangelos Theodorou
References
Boomgaarden, H. G., Schuck, A. R. T., Elenbaas, M., &
de Vreese, C. H. (2011). Mapping EU attitudes: Con-
ceptual and empirical dimensions of Euroscepticism
and EU support. European Union Politics, 12(2), 241-
266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1465116510395411
Center for Global Peace Journalism: Peace Journal-
ism Principles. Retrieved from: http://www.park.
London: Springer.
García-Perdomo, V., Harlow, S. & Brown, D.K. (2022).
Framing the Colombian Peace Process: Between
Peace and War Journalism. Journalism Practice,
1-24. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2022.206
2428
Lynch, J., & McGoldrick, A. (2012). Reframing South
African TV news as Peace Journalism: Interim find-
ings from a field experiment. Communicare: Journal
of Communication Sciences, 31(2), 78-98. https://
doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v31i2.2083
Lynch, J., McGoldrick, A., & Heathers, J. (2015).
Psychophysiological audience responses to war
journalism and peace journalism. Global Media
and Communication, 11(3), 201–217. https://doi.
org/10.1177/1742766515606295
McGoldrick, A. (2008). Psychological effects of war
journalism and peace journalism. In M. Tehranian
(Ed.), Peace Journalism in Times of War (pp. 86–98).
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315126173
McGoldrick, A., & Lynch, J. (2016). Audience Re-
sponses to Peace Journalism: Merging results from
a four-country research study. Journalism Studies,
17 (5), 628-646. https://doi.org/10.1080/146167
0X.2014.992621.
Schaefer, C.D. (2006). The Effects of Escalation vs.
De-escalation-orientated Conflict Coverage on the
Evaluation of Military Measures. Conflict & Commu-
nication Online, 5(1), 1-17. Retrieved from: https://
cco.regener-online.de/2006_1/pdf_2006-1/schaefer.
pdf (Last access: August 14, 2023).
Schuck, A.R.T., & de Vreese, C.H. (2006). Between
Risk and Opportunity: News Framing and Its Effects
on Public Support for EU Enlargement. European
Journal of Communication, 21(1), 5–32. https://doi.
org/10.1177/0267323106060987
Youngblood, S. (2016). Peace Journalism Principles
and Practices. New York: Routledge.
pg 21

Study shows gender imbalance in Zimbabwe
Coverage underrepresents
female political leaders
When editors and reporters make decisions that increase
the likelihood of peace in any story they are working on,
they are practicing peace journalism. These decisions
include framing stories in a way that facilitates peace and
carefully selecting language that will support peace initia-
tives and peacemakers, all without sacrificing the funda-
mentals of good journalism.
According to Njabulo Ncube, the Zimbabwe National Editors
Forum’s coordinator, gender balance is critical for peace
journalism and journalism in general, and journalists should
address gender parity in their articles and videos.
“For instance, reporters perpetuate the patriarchal nature
of most African societies in Zimbabwe and the entire region
if they don’t put the views of women in their stories. Gen-
der balance is crucial to ensuring peaceful coexistence not
only in the home but throughout the country.”
Ncube also indicated, “Therefore, it is imperative that the
women who we refer to as our ‘significant others’ have a
voice in order to establish that they are not subordinate
to men. Journalists run the risk of sustaining gender-based
violence and the exploitation of women if men are depicted
in the media as the epitome of humanity.”
Ncube also stated that men have a greater voice in Zim-
babwean journalism than women, despite the fact that
women account for the majority of the country’s voters.
“However, in order for women’s voices to be heard and to
take up space in the political, social, and economic spheres,
journalists must make sure that their coverage of women is
gender balanced,” Ncube noted.
Godwin Phiri, the executive secretary of the Zimbabwe
Media Commission, concurred that peace journalism essen-
tially addresses the need for journalists to understand that
they need to report with harmony, peace, and unity in the
communities in mind. “Journalism should be used to foster
harmony rather than to create division. Journalism still
has an obligation to act in a way that unites societies after
elections or other sensitive times in our communities or the
nation, even when there are differing opinions on specific
issues—like during an election,” he said.
Phiri also indicated that peace journalism recognizes the
gender dynamics and requires journalists to be sensitive
to gender inequalities in their communities. Phiri said, “As
a result, peace journalism reporters must understand that
communities are neither homogeneous or monolithic, and
pg 22
April 2024
Launch of VMCZ Code of ethics booklet in Bulawayo,
Zimbabwe. (Photo by Lungelo Ndhlovu
that they contain a variety of dynamics. For example,
women’s expectations of being covered or fairly covered
in an election may differ from those of men. As journalists
report, they must remember that women and men have
not always received equal treatment.”
“Journalists must always strike a gender balance and avoid
re-enacting past inequalities; reporters must be seen to
be creating a level playing field in which both female and
male voices can be heard, and journalists must avoid using
language that marginalizes certain sections of our commu-
nity and our women,” he added.
“Then people will say women are not interested in elec-
tions but the reality is that sometimes the environment is
not conducive for them to be active participants in elec-
tions,” Phiri said, indicating that when journalists encour-
age violence during elections, they are actually discourag-
ing women from participating in elections.
A recent study undertaken by the Gender and Media
Connect Zimbabwe on August 23 2024 highlighted a
troubling pattern of women’s persistent underrepresenta-
tion in political media coverage, limiting their visibility and
compromising the portrayal of their ideas, policies, and
accomplishments.
According to this study, the media primarily covered male
political figures, unintentionally reinforcing old gender
stereotypes and prejudices.
Patience Zirima, head of Gender and Media Connect,
stated that having a gender balance in the media is the
proper thing to do because gender balance ensures that
everyone has equal access to their rights.
Continued on next page
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
Zimbabwe from pg 22
“When you are looking at journalism specifically, everyone
has the right to media freedom, everyone has the right to
free expression. So, everyone has the right to speak. What
we also need to look at when you are looking at gender
balance is also ensuring that all the intersectional identities
that people have, for example women who might be dis-
abled, women in different geographical locations, women
who from different language groups, and men as well are
heard and their voices are also heard in critical issues,” she
explained.
Zirima indicated that when it comes to peace journalism,
there is a need for more women to speak up about vio-
lence, what it means to them, and how to create long-term tives that women are
peace in Zimbabwe.
“Throughout Zimbabwe’s history, we have heard of nu-
merous incidents involving violence. This can be violence
from as far back as the different wars that were fought
in the country. And then the different clashes that have
happened in the post-independence era especially around According to May Thazin Aung, a gender and climate
electoral issues.
“It is important to ensure that women’s voices are heard
and women play an active role in ensuring peace in society focused.
as well as men voices are heard. Ensuring that their voices
are coming out, when we look at some of the gendered
issues that we see, these issues also impact how women
experience violence and how men experience violence,”
UTexas Maps
Vol 13, No. 1
April 2024
she said.
Zirima also noted that in many cases, these are highly gen-
dered kinds of violence that occur alongside the broader
violence that occurs during any period of war.
“ ”
“So, when we now
ensure that women’s
and men’s voices are Newsrooms with a gender
heard as the people
balance tend to tell stories
who write the news,
audiences can hear that are more peaceful.
the various perspec-
expressing. Those who are also written about, we ensure
that women are heard; they also remain at the forefront of
speaking about the different difficulties that they face and
ensuring that there is long-term harmony in society,” Zirima
observed.
change specialist at the International Institute for Environ-
ment and Development, newsrooms with a gender bal-
ance tend to tell stories that are more peaceful or peace-
Aung noted that having a gender balance keeps media
companies from thinking that employing more men or
women will lead to a particular outcome, like a more
peaceful story or a more collegiate atmosphere.
“Rather than being driven by specific outcomes, media
organizations should seek more diversity in their workforce
because they see the mix of perspectives, storytelling, and
approaches to issues brought by people of different back-
grounds, including men and women from different classes,
tribes, and educational backgrounds, as an asset or unique
identity of their workplace,” she said.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa’s advocacy officer,
Marlvin Mukudu, concurred, acknowledging that gender
balance in newsrooms is crucial for influencing conversa-
tions on topics like peace and even gender-based violence.
“Take the manner in which some reporters write certain
stories for example. People have expressed dissatisfac-
tion and complained in the past about some journalistic
headlines, such as “a minor child having sex with an old
person.” However, it would be more accurate to say that
the youngster was raped. So, when we have more women
in the newsrooms around peace, it means we are also go-
ing to improve the narratives that we have or the discourse
around how certain things are shaped,” he said.
--Lungelo Ndhlovu
pg 23

The world often views India as
one of the world’s largest de- Journalism in India
mocracies, but Suchitra Vijayan-
says otherwise. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and his govern-
Reporters must toe the
ment have been especially harsh
towards critics of the regime.
line, or risk jail time
Journalists who have dared criticize
the government have been harassed,
detained, imprisoned, and even
murdered. The media landscape has
changed dramatically. According to
Vijayan, founder and executive direc-
tor of the Polis Project, a journalism
and research organization focused on
authoritarianism and state oppres-
sion, 75% or more of news organiza-
tions are now owned by four or five
large corporations, all led by allies of
Modi. Vijayan’s book, “How Long Can
the Moon be Caged?,” co-authored
with Francesca Recchia, tells the
stories of political prisoners in India
today, including journalists, artists,
activists, and academics.
Vijayan spoke to the Making Peace
Visible podcast, produced by War
Stories Peace Stories. The podcast’s
host is Jamil Simon. Here are some
excerpts from that Interview:
Jamil Simon: India is one of the most
diverse countries in the world, but
divisions have increased dramatically
in India in recent years. Why is that?
Suchitra Vijayan: It’s impossible to
articulate how diverse India is. And
it’s exactly why we should be very
worried. The Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) government is trying to create
a certain kind of Indian citizen who is
Hindu, who speaks Hindi, who thinks
a certain way. And along with India’s
diversity exists something absolutely
violent and brutal, India’s caste sys-
tem, which has existed for thousands
of years, which consolidated into a
very specific kind of institutionalized
hierarchy during the colonial period.
And even while the Indian consti-
tution offered political equality to
everybody post-independence, we
really did not have the kind of social
equality that law kind of envisioned.
pg 24
So what you really see is a society
that is deeply divided, that’s deeply
hierarchical. And as a more right-wing
ethno-nationalist state has taken over
the country, those divisions are now
increasingly becoming more violent,
more brutal, more entrenched within
various existing institutions.
JS: In 2014, the BJP won the election
by a landslide. What do you think ac-
counts for this shift to the authoritar-
ian right?
SV: Fascist ideology and authoritar-
ian tendencies are already very much
embedded within the constitution
that gives so much power to the
state to control the lives of people.
Hindutva (or Hindu nationalism) is
a hundred-year-old cultural politi-
cal project. And with the advent of
24-hour news channels, which has
become an extended arm of the state,
they captured the cultural space by
cultural programming, by cultivat-
ing ideological foot soldiers that
are stacked in every walk of life. A
good 20 years before Modi comes to
power, you saw them occupying the
cultural space, the political space,
the legal space, and kind of revising
and rewriting history, telling a Hindu
majority population that they are the
victims, that they do not have power,
that somehow it is the others who
are creating the issue. They question
ideas of secularism – that secularism
is really what is ailing India – and this
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
April 2024
idea that India as a democracy is
really failing, that what we need
is an authoritarian leader who
can just whip everybody into
control. What happened in the
U.S. is no different. Only in India,
it’s happening much faster and
has been happening for a longer time.
JS: As India is becoming more political-
ly and ethnically polarized, you argue
the press has played a central role.
SV: While the television media 24-
hour news channels have completely
sold out along with a vast majority
of the other presses, there are still
a handful of journalists in India who
continue to report valiantly under
great odds. But the other group of
journalists have become stenogra-
phers of the state, and they do this in
multiple ways.
It’s almost impossible to hear any criti-
cal commentary on the state in any of
the mainstream media or press. Every
instance of impropriety, violence, lack
of action, failure of governance, these
things never get questioned. Instead,
they blame everything on the opposi-
tion. It’s as if you cannot criticize the
government anymore. Second, it’s
this constant absolute megalomania
where Narendra Modi becomes the
front and center of all power, which
means that the diversity of institutions
erodes. And the press have been the
cheerleaders of this regime without
giving it any kind of critique or push-
back. Every time the state goes after
a writer, a journalist, an intellectual, a
lawyer, a human rights defender, the
press is used as the rallying call for
the arrests. The press repeats the lies
of the state and regularly shares false
information and propaganda.
JS: You founded the Polis Project to
work on these issues, because journal-
ism is also being criminalized.
SV: For the Polis Project, I think we
were all feeling very frustrated about
two things: academia and journalism.
Continued on next page
India from pg 24
They both felt inadequate and hol-
lowed out. Academia was becoming
ossified with its own languages...And
journalism had really become explain-
er journalism, which wasn’t really
reporting about the communities that
were resisting.
So for me, it was very important that
we build an institution that brought
together in-depth research and long-
form journalism as a way to keep
recording what’s happening, but also
as a way for us to understand the rela-
tionship between power and violence
in this age where both academia and
journalism had somehow just deeply
disappointed the communities that
they’re supposed to aid.
Criminalization of dissent has been
happening for quite some time now,
and we felt it was very important for
us to articulate what criminalization
looks like. In one project, we tried to
document, at least through numbers,
what was happening to journalists in
India between May 2019 and August
2021— to document patterns of
violence that were being inflicted on
journalists. We documented 256 in-
stances of violence, and in all of these
256 instances, you really see the
state being the perpetrators. Violence
included physical assaults, threats,
detentions, defamation cases, arrests,
in some cases sexual assaults, and
charging journalists with sedition.
JS: Your new book, How Long Can
the Moon Be Caged? Voices of Indian
Political Prisoners, addresses this. Tell
me about it.
SV: Initially, this book was supposed
to be an edited anthology of prison
writings. But one of our researchers
– an incredibly brilliant young scholar
and student leader called Afreen
Fatima – had her house demolished
by the Indian state without due
process. Her father was arrested, all
because they were Muslim and they
were dissenting. When the house was
Vol 13, No. 1
Journalist/attorney Suchitra Vijayan
bulldozed, 90 percent of the book’s
material was also lost. At that point,
we realized we had to respond to that
political moment, which meant that
this could no longer just be a col-
lection of prison writings. And what
this book really became was a story
of centering the communities of the
political prisoners, making sure that
we have a list of 250 political prison-
ers who have been arrested since
Modi came to power. So we mostly
see this book as an indictment of the
current regime, and because so much
information is also disappearing from
the web, it was important for us to
archive and put all of this together.
JS: So, journalists and news outlets in
India essentially must make a difficult
choice, either complicity with the gov-
ernment or risk arrest. In this context,
you’ve talked about the government’s
use of the UAPA laws. Can you illumi-
nate us on that a little bit?
SV: One of the ways in which the
state has criminalized dissent is by
weaponizing laws. You have a series
of terror and sedition laws, and UAPA
(Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) is
one of them. UAPA was first promul-
gated in 1967. Over the years it’s been
amended multiple times and has been
called draconian, unlawful, illegal, and
in violation of various international
rules and conventions. In 2019, an
amendment to the UAPA laws made
it possible for the government to
April 2024
unilaterally designate an individual
as a terrorist without evidence. The
burden of proof is no longer with
the state but with the person who’s
been accused. Additionally, someone
can be held without trial for years. In
many of the cases, people have spent
up to 10-15 years in prison without a
trial. Bail is often impossible. So you
essentially have laws that can arrest
you and hold you in prison indefinitely
for a crime you never committed.
Secondly, soon after 9-11, India cre-
ated its own version of the Patriot Act
called the Prevention of Terrorism Act
(POTA). While POTA was repealed,
many of the draconian and uncon-
stitutional laws were re-legislated
through other criminal provisions. So
now you have successfully entrenched
emergency provisions into the normal
functioning of the state, giving the In-
dian state absolute unfettered power
over life and death of any person.
JS: You also wrote your book to give a
platform to voices of resistance. Can
you share a story of resistance that
inspires you?
SV: For the few who have managed
to get bail, every single one of them
came out of the prison smiling and
raising slogans to continue defend-
ing the constitution and supporting a
revolution that would bring equality.
They don’t see this as heroic or as an
extraordinary act of moral courage.
They simply see resistance as an act of
survival. And I think that is a reminder
that the state with all its might has
still not managed to find a way to take
away what is fundamental to the hu-
man spirit, which is to revolt, to resist,
and to fight for dignity.
In April 2024, War Stories Peace
Stories incorporated as Making Peace
Visible. You can learn more about
the organization and its expanded
programs and listen to the podcast at
www.makingpeacevisible.org .
---Jamil Simon, Andrea Muraskin
pg 25

Webinars examine PJ challenges, opportunities
GWU sponsors 6-week event
According to the United Nations, conflicts and violence
are on the rise. However, media coverage of conflicts
continues to focus largely on violence and sensationalism,
which research shows tends to exacerbate conflicts and
hurt peace processes. Peace journalism, which emerged in
the 1960s, criticizes mainstream news coverage of con-
flicts, calling it “war journalism,” focused on violence, elite
voices, propaganda, and victory framing. Peace journalism
aims to turn this type of coverage on its head, orienting
framing towards peace, people, truth, and solutions.
With the passing of Johan Galtung on February 17, 2024,
who was considered the father of peace journalism, in
conjunction with notable changes in the media and in-
formation ecosystem since peace journalism was initially
conceptualized, it seemed like an important time to re-
examine peace journalism and its future prospects in this
new context. To this end, The Media and Peacebuilding
Project at the George Washington University’s School of
Media and Public Affairs, along with its partners, launched
a webinar series titled “How to Grow Peace Journalism”
over 6 weeks during the spring of 2024. The following
review was conducted after the first two webinars.
The first webinar was titled, How to Grow Peace Journal-
ism: Lessons from Peace Journalism Research, and fea-
tured Jake Lynch, Professor at the University of Sydney,
Meagan Doll, Research Fellow at the University of Wash-
ington, and Ayesha Jehangir, Postdoctoral Fellow at the
University of Technology Sydney. Professor Jake Lynch,
who has written multiple books and articles on peace
journalism, began the session by first paying tribute to
Johan Galtung and described some of his contributions to
the field, including some of their work together. Examin-
ing research on peace journalism, Lynch discussed a study
where respondents around the world were shown televi-
sion news about in both a “war journalism” and “peace
journalism” formats, and found that the latter created
more positive impacts, including increasing feelings of
hope. Lynch argued that peace journalism training must
last well beyond the trainings themselves.
Meagan Doll spoke next. A former journalist, the bulk of
her work deals with perceptions of news, conflict report-
ing, and media trust. Her research was based on three
factors: audience perceptions of peace journalism, how
it shapes journalistic practices, and what interdisciplin-
ary success looks like. She found that peace journalism
is viewed as more balanced and credible, can shape how
conflict is viewed, and its consumers tend to be more
“hopeful and empathetic.” Doll also discussed how jour-
pg 26
April 2024
nalists may have different perceptions of peace journalism
depending on their own professional background. The pro-
fession would benefit from more case studies of successful
practices, and many journalists generally tend to be open
to peace journalism.
The final speaker was Ayesha Jehangir. She spoke about
how peace journalism reflects an open, democratic, de-
liberative process that can challenge “hegemonic” media
practices. She then moved to speaking about the blind
spots present in peace journalism, where there is often a
focus on “rescuing” victims and an immediate solution,
and not on the behavior of the interests driving the con-
flict. Jehangir distinguished “victim-centric” and “perpe-
trator-centric” cosmopolitanism in peace journalism. The
first focuses on finding an immediate solution to suffering,
including military intervention or removal from the “place
of suffering.” Perpetrator-centric cosmopolitanism, on the
other hand, reclaims “victimhood” and juxtaposes victims
with the perpetrators of violence, with a focus on account-
ability and changing the behaviors that caused suffering in
the first place, aiming to create a reflective and delibera-
tive environment.
The second webinar featured practitioners in the field of
Continued on next page
https://peacejourncenter.blogspot.com/
Webinars from pg 26
peace journalism and was titled How to Grow Peace Jour-
nalism: Lessons from Peace Journalism Practice. The first
speaker, Vanessa Bassil, founded the Media Association for
Peace (MAP), the first NGO to focus on peace journalism in
Lebanon and the wider Middle East. She spoke about her
personal experience with peace journalism in Lebanon. As
part of the first generation since the end of the civil war,
she believes the media can play a role in sustaining peace
in the country. Her organization has led multiple work-
shops, trainings, and conferences through MAP, along with
programs specifically designed to engage youth. MAP also
offers internship and volunteer programs, which engage
Lebanese youth and promote peace journalism. Bassil also
spoke about the challenges and opportunities brought on
by institutionalizing peace journalism. These, however, are
far outweighed by the positive impacts of the work.
Up next was a duo from War Stories Peace Stories, a peace
media NGO based in the US. Jamil Simon, the group’s
founder, spoke about how peacebuilding and the media
are currently stuck in a negative cycle. The lack of report-
ing on peacebuilding efforts leads to a lack of awareness,
impacting the resources and support given to peacebuild-
ing initiatives, which continues the cycle. Simon seeks to
change this relationship by giving peacebuilding visibility
as a solution to conflicts. This will bring more support and
resources, allowing for more support for peacebuilding,
turning the cycle into a positive one. Simon discussed plans
for an upcoming Making Peace Visible International Sym-
posium in 2025, in Washington, D.C., which will include a
story competition in collaboration with the Pulitzer Center
and awards for stories raising the visibility of peace. Simon
laid out three main goals for the organization: to engage
editors and journalists who cover peacebuilding, sponsor
projects telling stories about peacebuilding, and sponsor
the journalists working on those projects.
Andrea Muraskin then spoke about the strategies WSPS
uses to grow their audience for their podcast, Making
Peace Visible, which focuses on how the media covers
peace and conflict. These included working with several
partner organizations where the content could be exposed
to much larger audiences. For example, in one story on
journalism in India, a feed swap was agreed upon with
Democracy Works, where each platform hosted the other’s
content allowing for much greater access to that story with
the additional audience. Also, Muraskin mentioned that
podcast listenership increased when guests promoted their
podcast sessions with their own networks on social media
Vol 13, No. 1
April 2024
and through app advertising placement.
The final speaker was Professor Steven Youngblood, found-
ing director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism
and currently a Fulbright Scholar in Moldova. Youngblood
spoke about the importance of bridge-building report-
ing where journalists from different sides of conflicts or
areas of tension come together. He spoke about a project
in Turkey where young storytellers, Syrian refugees and
Turks, created boundary crossing video projects examin-
ing refugee issues from different perspectives. Youngblood
also discussed another bridge-building project run with
the East West Center in Honolulu that brought together
journalists from India and Pakistan. Journalists were paired
up in teams, with one Indian and one Pakistani journalist
working together to jointly produce stories.
In a video shown during the presentation, project partici-
pants spoke about its value and the progress they believed
it had brought. Youngblood also discussed a similar project
in Moldova, where he is currently based, working across
the “border” with Transnistria. In his closing remarks, he
offered his own theory on how to grow peace journalism:
through compelling, impactful, and thoughtful journalism.
The final four webinars of this webinar series continue the
overall focus on growing peace journalism and focus on
learning lessons from constructive journalism (March 13),
solutions journalism (March 20), the Global South (March
27) and innovations in journalism (April 3). More informa-
tion on the webinar series can be found at:
https://mediapeaceproject.smpa.gwu.edu/events/
--Babak Bahador and Leo Weakland
In the next edition:
Northern Ireland-
Kosovo PJ project
pg 27