By Pretty Chavango.
Harare, Zimbabwe. (News Of The South) – Journalists have been urged to practice sensitive reporting especially on conflict issues as they directly influence they have the power to set agenda’s directly impacting on people’s lives.
The Ecumenical church leaders forum (ECLF) consists of several religious leaders who came together to create an organisation which promote peace, Executive director of the forum Bishop Ambrose Moyo said it is sad that in a country where 80% of the people are said to be Christians violence continues to be perpetrated and there is need to advocate to peaceful resolutions.
“As church leaders we felt it is our duty to create development with a message of peace and reconciliation, as development without peace is not sustainable “, said Bishop Moyo.
Media practioners were urged to promote peace by desisting from fuelling negative perceptions which eventually culminate in violence rather opting for effective communication when reporting on controversial issues avoiding the use of exaggeration and biased opinions.
While issues of wars and disputes may be seen in the media as breaking news and sellable for their brand as the first publication to inform people ECLF advocates for responsible dissemination of information using various tools like verification, cross checking and interviewing of both sides to ensure objectivity and factual reporting .
The media has been accused of fuelling conflicts like Xenophobia which resulted in many people losing their lives in gruesome ways. It is in this regard that there is much need to focus on issues which promote unity among people.
Lack of information can, at any stage of a conflict, make people desperate, restless and easily manipulated. Media has the power to dilute tensions before they even reach a critical point and keep a critical eye on government, opposition and society this can be achieved by providing credible information which reaches a large audience thus managing conflicts.
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