Guidelines for Young Journalists Reporting on Conflict Berlin, September 2014
Basics
Broadcasting Before sharing your piece with the whole world
Always bear in mind that •
Safety should come first and preparation can never be overestimated
•
Quality reporting involves knowledge of the background and roots of the conflict: political, historical, etc.
•
Verify videos and multimedia contents
•
Show the whole image (environment of the scene or demonstration)
•
Do not alter your photos or videos (no Photoshop!)
•
All sides of the story should be found and listened to
•
Bias needs to be avoided as much as possible
•
Dignity has to be respected
•
Your audience matters
•
You (not your editor) own the story – stick to it
•
Financial security also needs to be ensured
•
Double-checking sources (Are they reliable? Do they
hide your identity while covering a
fit?) and securing their safety is a must
story
•
Choice of words and facts should be accurate
•
Cultural sensitivity is not just an empty term
•
Avoid sensationalism
•
Put emphasis on (your) safety
•
Investigate
•
Identify cases in which hidden cameras are okay
•
Think very carefully if it is necessary to
Editorial If you are an editor •
Care for diversity of topics
•
Provide journalists with training and proper equipment
•
Give time to investigate (e.g. by using the “iceberg” conflict analysis method)
•
Be flexible on journalists' choices
•
Interact with other editors and journalists
•
Avoid sensationalism
•
Commit to ethical journalism
•
Do not abuse editorial power and influence on both the journalist and the audience
•
Protect journalists
•
Provide decent salary for journalists
Gender
Security and Psycho-Social Well-being
When working with (fellow) reporters •
See journalists as individuals and not based on
To keep yourself secure and sane
their gender: pay attention to equal opportunities
•
Know about the terrain and climate
and equal assignments
•
Establish local professional
•
Treat reports based on competence not gender
•
Do not judge based on gender (especially in
contacts/journalists •
relation to family and career) but give a choice of topic to them
Ensure technical equipment, insurance (human and material), vaccinations
•
Book accommodation upfront
•
Do the background research for relevant and
For gender representation in media
accessible information •
Introduce yourself/team to locally
•
Use gender sensitive language
•
Balance gender representation in sources
•
Keep your data security's backup
•
De-construct the concept of heteronormativity
•
Secure online data (change passwords and
•
Avoid over-victimization of women
•
Diminish association of children to women
•
Avoid the stereotype of violent man and not-
•
•
established international bodies
use encryption) •
Find your inner centre and energy (sport, drinks, religion, drugs, meditation, …)
involved woman (stick to the facts whether in
•
Know your physical and mental limits
articles, images, or documents)
•
Exchange/communicate with others
Give the under-represented minority a voice
•
Stay detached from parties of conflict
(LGBTQ, women, …)
•
Deal with the trauma (with professional help)
Avoid patronizing (i.e. portraying women as incapable, speaking on behalf of the minority, etc.)
Disclaimer: The guidelines are produced by participants of Rethinking Journalism workshop and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Middle East and North Africa Committee of the European Youth Press.