Ethical challenges in media coverage of the Zimbabwe crisis
This paper examines some ethical challenges manifested in the media coverage of the Zimbabwe land crisis since it escalated in 2002. The crisis has mainly been around issues of land; with seizure of land from dominating white-minority farmers, for redistribution amongst the black-majority population. Beyond the re-settlement policy, a sky-rocketing inflation, a deteriorating economy, gross human rights violations, poor governance and the dictatorial tendencies of 27-year serving President Robert Mugabe have only help to weaken the country. Within this context, the media are muscled, constrained and operated under draconian press laws. Yet, domestic and international media remain the battle ground for conflicting parties, both within and beyond the national frontiers. A brief recollection of Zimbabwe’s political history, its recent socio-political context and stakeholders as well as the evolution and media landscape put the ethical challenges in context.
Media’s Role in Peace and War
Media’s Role in Peace and War Author: Ginny Collins, Marcel Fomotar, and Julia Odumuyiwa Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 09/29/2006 Category: Interview The following is an interview with Canadian media veteran Keith Spicer. Spicer is a former editor of the Ottawa Citizen and former chairman of Canada’s broadcasting and telecommunications regulatory […]
Political Polarization in Hollywood
Despite the fact that many Jewish leaders in California have been sharply critical of the policies of the government of Israel and the vast majority of American Jews are liberal, especially in Hollywood, Michael Carmichael sees the defection of billionaire Saban and Spielberg to the Republicans in California as a significant move for the “Israel Lobby.”
Save Who from What? Exploring the Ethics of the Save Darfur Coalition
Save Darfur patently aims to “save Darfur” by raising awareness, not by providing on-the-ground humanitarian assistance. This is clearly defined on the organization’s website. Yet, through the advertising techniques employed in its media campaigns, the Save Darfur coalition misleads the public by giving off the image of a humanitarian relief organization. Maggie Schwalbach takes a closer look at the coalition’s media campaigns and investigates the assumptions present in the advertisements by exploring the moral consequences of raising awareness based on victimization and perpetuating stereotypes of Africans as helpless.
Storytelling through the lens
Not only has Sadaf Cameron made a major unconventional step in her professional life by coming here to UPEACE, she has also shown great courage in bringing her 9-year-old son to Costa Rica for this year of studies. Multitask situations such as being simultaneously a mother and a student seem to have shaped Sadaf’s character through many years of experience, and have made her a compassionate and committed young woman, which has my great respect.
Horn of Africa: ‘Predictable Crisis’, Unprepared Media, Curtailment of Information Flow
In times of disasters like drought and famine, a majority of the people hold that the flow of humanitarian aid is more important than the flow of information. But in reality, the flow of information from the victims, in the direction of those seeking to intervene is the most important issue, if those intervening truly want to help the victims. Patrick Mugo Mugo examines the impact of intervention, putting an emphasis on the flow of relief aid has had on the victims and their ability to be self-reliant once again.
Does ideology matter for mass media democratization in Latin America?
This article review’s Kitzberger’s thesis that ideology should be given greater attention in media analyses of Latin America in light of counter examples offered by Gomez Garcia & Terre and Sartoretto. In the end, the article finds that many groups and individuals are calling for media democratization in the region, not only the leftist governments.
Is Global Media Setting the Agenda for UN Peace Keeping Operations: Revisiting the UNOSOM Debacle
Is Global Media Setting the Agenda for UN Peace Keeping Operations: Revisiting the UNOSOM Debacle Author: Dominic Pkalya Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 11/30/2006 The United Nations Peace Keeping Operations have received ambivalent reactions. Many have welcomed it as a necessary precondition and process for not only mediating in a nascent […]
Press Freedom in Tanzania
Press Freedom in Tanzania Author: Jaffar Mjasiri Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 09/16/2005 In this era of globalization the world is engaged in promoting freedom of expression. But this is often more easily said than done. Today freedom of expression is embedded in the constitution of every democracy around the world, […]
Hamas Victory in the World Media
On 27 January 2006 the Middle East woke up to a new reality. The Palestinian Elections Committee announced official results of parliamentary elections, declaring Hamas the clear winner with 76 seats in the 132-seat-strong legislative body. The victory of Hamas, which is labeled as a terrorist group by Europe and the US, caused mixed reactions in the World media.