Journalism ethics and conflict-sensitive reporting

Abstract

Considering its importance as a global media player, and its claims of providing an alternative model of journalism, this chapter interrogates Al Jazeera’s coverage of the Syrian conflict taking peace journalism as a frame of reference. The aim of the chapter is to establish the ethical standards that guide Al Jazeera in its coverage and investigate if Al Jazeera brings an alternative point of view when it comes to conflict-sensitive reporting. Framing analysis revealed that Al Jazeera Arabic and English both focused on human suffering and the conflict high human cost. The chapter concludes that Al Jazeera demonstrated that conflict-sensitive reporting can indeed be achieved without falling into the trap of sensationalism and propaganda or compromising journalism ethics. Yet both channels fell short on giving agency and voice to the victims as elite sources dominated the voices represented on both channels. Direct violence dominated the news discourse and little consideration was given to the structural and cultural aspects of the reported conflict. The chapter concludes with suggestion for further research and policy recommendations.