From reporter to peacebuilder: Rama’s transformation through Conflict Sensitive Journalism
MEDIA ACTION NEPAL/ January 8: “The training didn’t just change how I work; it changed how I see my role as a journalist. I now believe my words can heal or harm, unite or divide. Today, I see myself as someone who can help bring peace and understanding to my community.”
Rama K.C., a journalist at Himal Press, reflects on her transformative journey following a capacity-building initiative by Media Action Nepal. Before attending a training on conflict-sensitive journalism (CSJ) in Surkhet in September 2024, Rama’s approach to reporting was conventional, focused on delivering facts without considering their potential repercussions.
“I believed my job was simply to report what I saw as the truth,” Rama shared. Her reporting style, however, sometimes unintentionally fueled tensions. A story she once wrote about a sensitive rape case revealed the victim’s name based on police information, leading to public criticism and worsening conflict.
The two-day residential training, part of the GIZ-Civil Peace Service-supported project “Strengthening the Role of Media, Youth, and CSOs in Peacebuilding,” was a turning point.
Led by Laxman Datt Pant, a globally renowned media trainer and the Founding Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, the training introduced Rama to the principles of conflict-sensitive journalism and reshaped her perspective. Initially skeptical, Rama found her mindset transformed by the insights and exercises introduced by the trainers.
- Conflict isn’t always obvious: It can be subtle, personal, or institutional, not just large protests or wars.
- Words have power: Even a single sentence can escalate tensions or cause harm.
- Journalists can help resolve conflicts: Responsible reporting can promote understanding and peace.
A practical exercise during the training left a profound impact. Participants were tasked with rewriting a one-sided news article about a community clash. Rama’s revised version balanced perspectives and highlighted efforts to resolve the conflict.
“For the first time, I saw how reporting could help solve problems instead of making them worse,” she said.
Empowered with these tools, Rama returned to her newsroom with a renewed sense of purpose. Her reporting process now begins with thoughtful questions:
- Who will this story affect?
- Am I including all perspectives?
- Will this story help resolve the issue or exacerbate it?
Rama also took on the role of a mentor, sharing her newfound knowledge with colleagues and engaging local government officials in discussions about responsible journalism.
The impact of Media Action Nepal’s initiative extended far beyond Rama. Her dedication to conflict-sensitive journalism has inspired her community and demonstrated the transformative power of responsible media practices.
