BBC reporter embraces conflict-sensitive and solution-oriented storytelling
MEDIA ACTION NEPAL/ January 19: “This training taught me that conflicts have both positive and negative sides. Now, I understand how important it is to lead society in a positive direction through my work,” says Krishnamaya Upadhayay, a journalist from the remote hills of Jumla district in Karnali province, working for the BBC Nepali Service.
Her perspective on journalism underwent a profound transformation after attending the Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ) training program organized by Media Action Nepal in September, 2024. The training, part of the GIZ-Civil Peace Service-supported project “Strengthening the Role of Media, Youth, and CSOs in Peacebuilding,” and led by Laxman Datt Pant, a globally renowned media trainer, redefined her understanding of conflict and the journalist’s role in resolving it.
Krishnamaya’s perspective on journalism underwent a profound transformation after attending the Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ) training organized by Media Action Nepal in September, 2024.
Before the training, Krishnamaya viewed conflict as limited to political disputes or major social upheavals. However, the training expanded her perspective, showing her that everyday societal issues such as water scarcity, caste-based discrimination, and local governance disputes can also be sources of conflict.
She refined her journalistic approach by focusing on fairness, balance, and consent, ensuring her stories include diverse perspectives. She became more deliberate about her language choices, recognizing how words, even headlines, can either calm or inflame tensions.
Inspired by the training’s emphasis on gender sensitivity, she started amplifying women’s voices in her reporting, highlighting their challenges and contributions to solving societal problems. She now asks questions that explore gender dynamics in the communities she covers, addressing issues often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
The concept of solution-oriented journalism was another pivotal takeaway for Krishnamaya. This approach, which emphasizes showcasing solutions alongside problems, aligned perfectly with her desire to create a positive impact through her work. Reflecting on her past reporting, she realized that her stories had unintentionally adopted this approach, and she now commits to making it a deliberate part of her practice.
As a co-facilitator for a CSJ webinar in Koshi Province, she also shared her learnings with fellow journalists. “Every story shared during the webinar was a lesson. It motivated me to continue writing and reporting while keeping conflict sensitivity and solutions in mind,” she added.
Krishnamaya’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of Media Action Nepal’s capacity-building initiatives, demonstrating how conflict-sensitive and solution-oriented journalism can drive positive change in society.
