Module 5: Covering Conflict

Introduction

[To see the complete module for Covering Conflict, please click here: MODULE 5: COVERING CONFLICT]

Most media stories, from crime stories to human interest pieces, have some element of conflict in them. 

Therefore, being able to cover conflict well is beneficial to reporters, no matter what beat they cover.

Journalists always have a responsibility to strive for accuracy and objectivity, which is especially important when they cover conflict. In addition, journalists reporting in and about dangerous situations face unique challenges, such as having to worry about their own safety while following leads and interviewing sources. 

Because the concept of "conflict" is so broad and can conceivably be applied to all stories, this module focuses on both general violence and armed conflict, but does lead with an emphasis on war, rather than on other types of violence, such as crime. The questions that the module poses about how journalists gauge the potential impact of a story on an audience impact, how reporters and editors consider the presentation of stories about violence, how they confirm the truthfulness of the sources they use,  how they need to include background and context – these are all concerns that cross stories types.

To see the complete module for Covering Conflict, please click here:
MODULE 5: COVERING CONFLICT