Role Of Media In Political Conflict

Abstract

This research project examined media’s role in political conflicts: a comparative study of Kenya and Zimbabwe. The study achieved this by reviewing the theoretical media’s role in triggering political conflicts as well as examined media as a tool for peaceful processes. Media practitioners and media consumers for radio, television, print, and social media were interviewed to enrich and corroborate the findings. The study utilized the agenda setting media theory. Anchored on the general objective of examining media’s contribution in politically oriented conflicts, the study hypothesized that media’s contribution to political conflict is as a result of skewed reporting and media practitioners’ failure to uphold media ethics and journalistic principles. The study was conducted using both desk top review of literature and quantitative and qualitative research methodology with the aim of establishing facts about media engagement in a conflict situation. This study concluded that the media has an input in contributing to political conflicts because both audiences in Kenya and Zimbabwe reported to have been incited by media broadcasts. On the aforementioned, the study found also found out that media contributed significantly in ending conflict although this was later after the conflicts had erupted as was in Kenya 2007-2008 elections and the elections in Zimbabwe. In light with the findings, the study recommends that there is need for self-regulation by media, as well as an independent body that can regulate media without curtailing media liberty and independence of expression.