Media Action Nepal trains grassroots journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Journalism

Media Action Nepal recently concluded a series of two-day training workshops on Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ) in Karnali Province, bringing together 60 grassroots journalists (20 in each location) from nine districts. The training sessions, which took place in Chaurjahari, Rukum West (September 11–12), Birendranagar, Surkhet (September 13–14), and Khalanga, Jumla (September 15–16), aimed to enhance the skills of local journalists in reporting with utmost sensitivity.

The workshops attracted participants from Surkhet, Dailekh, Rukum West, Jajarkot, Dolpa, Salyan, Jumla, Mugu, and Kalikot districts, including 25 female journalists. The sessions focused on practical techniques for reporting on sensitive topics such as conflict, diversity, and disinformation, equipping participants with tools to navigate complex issues while maintaining ethical standards and promoting peace.

Comprehensive Training Curriculum

The course is based on the Handbook on Conflict-Sensitive Journalism developed by Media Action Nepal, which serves as a comprehensive training curriculum. Each training workshop is structured around six specialized areas, ensuring a deep understanding of conflict sensitivity in journalism:

Understanding Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ)

Writing and producing conflict-sensitive news and articles

Collecting information with sensitivity

Media literacy for journalists, with a focus on countering disinformation and hate speech

Conflict sensitivity in news reporting

Developing a Conflict-Sensitive Journalism code of conduct

 

The interactive format allowed the participants to engage in group discussions and presentations, with each cohort divided into groups of three to five members. These groups tackled key questions like: Why do journalists need sensitivity when reporting on diversity? How should they counter hate speech and disinformation? Under what conditions is it essential to protect sources of information? What are the ethical considerations in sharing photographs? Why is fact-checking crucial for journalists?

Through these discussions, the journalists gained practical insights and developed a deeper understanding of their role in fostering social harmony and preventing conflict.

Nepal's First Conflict-Sensitive Journalism Code of Conduct

One of the major outcomes of the training was the formulation of a Conflict-Sensitive Journalism Code of Conduct, the first of its kind in Nepal. This code emphasizes the responsibilities of journalists in reporting on conflict, ensuring their work contributes to peace-building efforts and does not incite violence or discrimination.

Some of the key provisions of the code of conduct include:

 Protect the privacy and rights of children when reporting.

Avoid using language or terms that could incite conflict in news coverage.

Be sensitive when covering incidents of caste based discrimination and maintain fairness.

Do not discriminate based on political opinions or affiliations in reporting.

Refrain from publishing or broadcasting content that harms religious or social harmony.

Ensure sensitivity when using photographs, respecting privacy in both print and online media.

Pay special attention to marginalized and minority communities, including people living with disability, senior citizens, and sexual and gender minorities.

Maintain the confidentiality of news sources to protect their identities, especially in sensitive stories.

Verify all information before publication or broadcast to prevent misinformation.

Avoid exaggerating issues related to the food security of Karnali's citizens to prevent panic.

This code is set to serve as a guideline for grassroots journalists across Nepal, helping them navigate the delicate balance between reporting facts and fostering peace in conflict-sensitive regions.

The workshops were not only a platform for learning but also for collaboration, as journalists from different districts of the province came together to share their experiences and build a unified approach toward ethical reporting. With the new CSJ code of conduct in place, participants are now equipped with the knowledge to act as agents of positive change in their communities, countering misinformation and promoting social cohesion.

Grassroots journalists embrace CSJ for harmony and peace

Lekh Bahadur Budha, a journalist from Dolpa district who attended training sessions in Chaurjahari of Rukum West, shared, "This training has completely transformed my approach to reporting. Understanding conflict sensitivity is crucial, especially when covering issues related to caste, ethnicity, culture, minority and gender. I now feel more confident about how to protect vulnerable sources and avoid language that could provoke tension."

Shrijana Budhathoki, a participant in Surkhet, said, "The sessions on fact-checking and countering disinformation were eye-opening. In remote areas like ours, misinformation spreads quickly, and as journalists, we must be equipped to tackle it with accuracy and responsibility."  The new code of conduct is a valuable guideline for our daily reporting, she added. 

Laxmi Neupane, a journalist from Jumla who attended a training workshop in Khalanga of Jumla district, reflected, "The focus on protecting children’s privacy and handling sensitive images was particularly meaningful. This training has helped me realize the impact of every word and image we publish. I feel empowered to use my journalism for peace-building."

Impact on local journalism

The training, organized by Media Action Nepal, marks a significant step in empowering grassroots journalists in one of Nepal's most remote and diverse provinces. As participants return to their communities, they are expected to implement the principles of CSJ in their work, contributing to a more peaceful and informed media landscape in Karnali Province.

This initiative reflects the growing importance of responsible journalism in preventing conflicts and ensuring that media plays a constructive role in Nepal’s ongoing peace-building efforts.

The training workshops were led by Media Action Nepal's Chairperson, Laxman Datt Pant, a globally acknowledged media trainer and advocate for freedom of expression. Pant was joined by Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of Annapurna Express English Daily, and Lalit Budha, Karnali Province Coordinator for Media Action Nepal, who facilitated the interactive sessions. Their combined expertise and practical insights enriched the learning experience for the participants.

These training sessions were organized under the project "Strengthening the role of youth, CSOs, and media," supported by GiZ-Civil Peace Service, which aims to bolster media’s role in promoting peace and stability in Nepal.