Newsroom Handbook: A Conflict Sensitive Approach to Election Reporting

"Conflict sensitive journalism refers to an approach to news coverage in which journalists acknowledge that the way in which they report on conflict can increase tensions or enhance the prospects of peace. Conflict sensitive journalists recognize that news always has an impact. They try to limit the harm news coverage may have, and understand its ability to act as a force for good."

This handbook brings together principles of conflict-sensitive journalism with practical strategies for election reporting to support media workers in their role of protecting and promoting free and fair elections. It provides guidelines that both editors and their journalists can follow as they strategise around ways of reporting on the build-up to elections, what to do on election day, and how to cover the post-election period. It also seeks to enhance both editors' and reporters' ability to scrutinise and dissect electoral violence to give a balanced report to the public.

As stated in the handbook, "For all democratic countries, elections provide a vital opportunity for citizens to have a say in who leads them and what policies shape the way in which the society is governed. For countries with histories of deep-rooted violent conflicts, elections are more than a way of choosing between people and political parties. They are a symbol of hope. A public demonstration of a nation's commitment to peace, of the leaders' acknowledgement of the need to be guided by the citizens and the promise of change without violence. These are not small things. For countries that have experienced hostility and civil war, elections are precious and must be protected."

The handbook was developed as part of the Liberia Media Development (LMD) programme (see Related Summaries, below), which is being implemented by Internews with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to increase Liberians' access to independent and reliable information and works to enable, equip, and empower local media in Liberia to access the tools and knowledge that will increase their sustainability, incorporate a plurality of voices in their media products, and improve their professional skills and standards.

The handbook consists of the following four sections:

• Part One: Conflict-sensitive Reporting and Elections - explores how a conflict-sensitive approach to reporting can help ensure elections are peaceful.
• Part Two: The Media's Role in Covering Elections - focuses on the many ways in which the news media are essential for free and fair elections. It looks at what is meant by free and fair elections and examines the contributions journalists can make during these times.
• Part Three: Covering Elections - discusses some of the key issues for the news media to consider in covering elections, stressing the need for editors and journalists to start the process of planning their election coverage strategy well in advance.
• Part Four: Personal Security - offers some ideas for journalists to consider when they prepare for situations that might turn violent, in light of the fact that campaigns can often be tense affairs in which parties and supporters provoke each other.