Journalism in conflictogenic environment: general principles and prospects

Abstract

Recently, the world faced with a fragileness of social balance and destructive functions of the media while the escalation of the conflicts. The information boom and hegemony of social networks have demonstrated the risks of hybrid wars, the power of "flexible power" of images and active communities. Journalism acts as an information catalyst for conflicts, exposing existing social contradictions at the micro, meso and macro levels of the social structure. That is why the responsibility of the media extends far beyond the objective coverage of information and contains a certain choice, which has also an ethical dimension. The article focuses on the ethical issues of the role of journalism in conflict, the ability of journalists to reduce the risk of violence in a conflict-ridden environment, and to increase efficiency in finding alternative solutions to conflict resolution. It raises the question of the constructive and destructive consequences of the conflict, as well as discusses the issues of the stage of the conflict, at which journalistic interventions are possible. The main thesis of the article relates to the principles of conflict-sensitive journalism, how idealistic they are and what organizations are interested in developing and promotion of the peace-building journalism.The analysis of various sources raises the question of the responsibility of journalists for choosing a particular model of journalistic practice during a conflict: from the objective and neutral position of the observer to active intervention as advocacy for peace and peace-building. The final conclusion is whichever path is chosen, finally we are facing the consequences of journalistic activity, the questions of moral choice and responsibility for a certain worldview. Ultimately, we need to disclose the category "truth" and find out its meaning in the epoch of metamodernism and post-truth.