Participants during the Zoom session. /HANDOUT
The HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism Studies, held online, brought together about 220 journalists from around the world.
Under the theme “Reporting Solutions in the Age of News Avoidance: Strengthening Audience Agency through Media-Civil Peace Collaboration,” the event examined the role of journalism in addressing news avoidance, reducing conflict, and promoting peace.
The workshop featured presentations by three journalists who contributed to Volume 4 of the Journal HWPL Peace Journalism Studies.
They highlighted the importance of solutions-oriented journalism that goes beyond reporting events to offering pathways for conflict resolution and hope.
Mr. Achmad Yani, a journalist from Indepthnews.id in Indonesia, presented research on “The Role of International Media Narratives in the De-escalation of the Thailand–Cambodia Conflict.”
He said the way media frame conflicts significantly shapes public perception.
He noted that the experiences of more than 200,000 displaced civilians were largely absent.
He said media shape public understanding by choosing what to include and exclude.
He called for journalism that incorporates victim-centred perspectives and explores peaceful solutions.
Ms. Ida Yusnita, a journalist from mediabanjarmasin.com in Indonesia, presented on “Peace: A Human Right That We Must Protect Together.”
She said peace is not just the absence of war but a condition based on security, equality, and justice.
She outlined the roles of the state, society, and the media in achieving peace.
She emphasised fair governance, social tolerance, and responsible reporting.
She also said peace and human rights are inseparable.
She called for practical efforts such as tolerance education, anti-discrimination policies, and strengthening independent media.
Mr. José Nicolás Arroyo Ramos, a journalist, lawyer, and professor from the Dominican Republic, examined how media environments contribute to polarisation.
He discussed “discursive violence,” referring to communication that increases division and hostility without physical force.
He said emotionally driven and unverified content spreads quickly in the digital age.
He added that this often reduces complex issues into simple opposing narratives.
As an alternative, he promoted peace journalism that explores root causes, includes diverse perspectives, and presents constructive solutions.
He said this approach can help reduce conflict-driven reporting.
Despite being held online, the workshop allowed active engagement among participants.
Breakout discussions focused on news that inspires hope and the role of positive narratives in conflict reporting.
The workshop also introduced the Media and Global Peace Platform, a Substack-based network linking journalists and NGOs across borders.
The platform aims to support the global growth of peace journalism.
Organisers said the workshop showed that media are not just conveyors of information but key players in shaping public perception and building peace.
They added that efforts will continue to expand global cooperation and practice in peace journalism through stronger international networks.
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