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Mediation through a media lens

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Mediation through a media lens

Interviews from the Oslo Forum 2016 on the nexus between mediation and the media

What are the responsibilities of the media during a conflict, and during a peace process? Can media reporting influence the behaviour of conflict parties, or the outcome of negotiations?

A new publication, Mediation through a media lens, released today by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), explores the interplay between mediators and the media. In a series of interviews, six prominent journalists – Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, Roger Cohen, Lyse Doucet, Bissane El-Cheikh, David Gardner and Janine di Giovanni – reflect on the challenges of covering peace processes.

The interviews aim to inform mediators about the role of the media in their working environment, with a view to identifying possible synergies in the pursuit of peace. They were conducted in order to stimulate debate at the 2016 Oslo Forum – the latest in a series of retreats which convene prominent peacemakers and peace process actors to exchange experiences, learn lessons, and explore creative solutions to conflicts.

HD initiated the Oslo Forum series in 2003, together with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the aim of improving mediation practice. The Oslo Forum is widely acknowledged as the leading international network in the field.

Mediation through a media lens is available as a free download from HD's website at http://www.hdcentre.org/uploads/tx_news/Mediation-through-a-media-lens.pdf