CSOs task journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting

Search For Common Ground (SFCG), an international peacebuilding organization, has urged journalists spread across Taraba State and Nigeria to adopt more sensitive approaches when reporting on insecurity.

The organization which emphasized the importance of “conflict-sensitive” journalism, also warned that careless reporting is capable of escalating tensions and deepening societal divisions.

The appeal was observed to have been made during a three-day “Do No Harm” capacity training workshop held in Jalingo, Taraba State,

The capacity building which is aimed at promoting balanced, fair journalism, especially during crises, which was held at Blue Nile Hotel, brought together journalists from both print and electronic media, along with SFCG fellows from across the state.

In their separate presentations, facilitators of the training, who include SFCG’s national media specialist Temisan Etietsola, program manager Gambo Wada, state project coordinator Dubi Sonam, media coordinator Victor Okpanachi, and media assistant Fredrick Aduga, collectively urged the media to refrain from publishing content that could fuel violence or exacerbate existing conflicts.

According to the facilitators, conflict-sensitive journalism should be viewed as a crucial part of development and humanitarian work, to minimize the negative impact of media reports on ongoing conflicts.

Journalists, as opined by the facilitators, have a key role to play in peacebuilding by addressing the root causes of conflicts and fostering dialogue rather than stoking division.

Highlighting the need for journalists to avoid placing beneficiaries of their stories at risk during conflicts, the facilitators stressed the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in the program design process to reduce tension in communities.

They also underscored the significance of understanding power dynamics and engaging conflict resolution actors in program implementation.

In addition to the discussions on responsible reporting, journalists were introduced to digital peacebuilding tools, Early Warning and Early Response communication strategies, and best practices for ensuring reporter safety during conflict coverage.

The facilitators urged media professionals to mitigate risks associated with emotionally charged or biased reporting, ensuring that journalism contributes positively to conflict resolution.

The training comes amid rising insecurity in Nigeria and ongoing concerns over the media’s role in shaping public perceptions and responses to these crises.