The Challenges of Reporting on Conflict

The Challenges of The Challenges of Reporting on ConflictReporting on Conflict

Anne CadwalladerAnne Cadwallader

““Conflict Resolution Journalism Conflict Resolution Journalism and Professional Integrity and and Professional Integrity and

Ethics”Ethics”

1414thth Cleraun Media Conference Cleraun Media ConferenceDublin, Saturday October 20 2012Dublin, Saturday October 20 2012

““The Troubles” – 1969-1998 The Troubles” – 1969-1998 (?)(?)

Causes still hotly-contestedCauses still hotly-contested

Unionists say terrorist conspiracy to destroy the stateUnionists say terrorist conspiracy to destroy the state

Nationalists (SDLP) say legitimate civil rights Nationalists (SDLP) say legitimate civil rights campaign for equality hi-jacked by republicans (IRA)campaign for equality hi-jacked by republicans (IRA)

Republicans (SF) say state oppression (Bloody Sunday Republicans (SF) say state oppression (Bloody Sunday etc) of civil rights movement made violence inevitableetc) of civil rights movement made violence inevitable

British governments have tended to side with British governments have tended to side with unionistsunionists

Irish governments have tended to side with Irish governments have tended to side with nationalistsnationalists

Proof Just This WeekProof Just This Week SDLP Press Release 16 OctoberSDLP Press Release 16 October

Foyle MLA, Colum Eastwood complained to the Foyle MLA, Colum Eastwood complained to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland re RTE website Broadcasting Authority of Ireland re RTE website contention that the Civil Rights Association in the contention that the Civil Rights Association in the North “inadvertently triggered the Troubles”.North “inadvertently triggered the Troubles”.

Eastwood: “To suggest that the thousands Eastwood: “To suggest that the thousands involved in the Civil Rights Association were involved in the Civil Rights Association were somehow integral to the source of conflict here, somehow integral to the source of conflict here, inadvertently or not, is an insult to history”.inadvertently or not, is an insult to history”.

““The NICRA were in fact the human wall which The NICRA were in fact the human wall which stood in the way of a tide of violence, a human stood in the way of a tide of violence, a human wall of peaceful protest advocating democratic wall of peaceful protest advocating democratic change.change.

IMAGES OF A CONFLICT LESS THAN 100 MILES AWAY

Human SufferingHuman Suffering“Those endless, endless, funerals …”“Those endless, endless, funerals …”

Thomas McDonald (16)

Richard (11) Mark (9) and Jason (7) QuinnBobby Sands (27)

Mark Quinsey (23)

Attitudes in Republic to Northern Attitudes in Republic to Northern “Troubles”“Troubles”

Young woman on RTÉ “Frontline” programme during Young woman on RTÉ “Frontline” programme during October 2011 presidential campaign: October 2011 presidential campaign:

““As a young Irish person, I am curious as to why you As a young Irish person, I am curious as to why you (Martin McGuinness) have come down here to this country, (Martin McGuinness) have come down here to this country, with all your baggage, your history, your controversy? with all your baggage, your history, your controversy?

““And how do you feel you can represent me, as a young And how do you feel you can represent me, as a young Irish person, who knows nothing of the Troubles and who Irish person, who knows nothing of the Troubles and who doesn’t want to know anything about it?”doesn’t want to know anything about it?”

Evidence of an abject failure by Irish press and Evidence of an abject failure by Irish press and broadcasting to explain the Northern conflictbroadcasting to explain the Northern conflict

Mirrored by a parallel failure of British media to do the Mirrored by a parallel failure of British media to do the samesame

Attitudes in Britain: “The Attitudes in Britain: “The Troubles”Troubles”

IndifferenceIndifference ““Wish Northern Ireland could be Wish Northern Ireland could be

towed out into the Atlantic and sunk”towed out into the Atlantic and sunk” It was a religious conflict (Catholics It was a religious conflict (Catholics

versus Protestants)versus Protestants) That killings were mainly “tit-for-tat”That killings were mainly “tit-for-tat” That British role limited to impartial That British role limited to impartial

arbiter, peace-keepingarbiter, peace-keeping That IRA mainly to blameThat IRA mainly to blame

Exceptions …Exceptions … British media campaigned for Birmingham British media campaigned for Birmingham

Six, Guildford FourSix, Guildford Four Panorama/UTV revealed Pat Finucane Panorama/UTV revealed Pat Finucane

collusioncollusion Yorkshire TV on Dublin/MonaghanYorkshire TV on Dublin/Monaghan Many fine articles, and responsible and Many fine articles, and responsible and

dedicated journalists, did their best over dedicated journalists, did their best over 35 years35 years

But overall, I contend, day-by-day, the But overall, I contend, day-by-day, the mainstream British and Irish media failed mainstream British and Irish media failed to get the story across in a compelling wayto get the story across in a compelling way

Cost of the TroublesCost of the Troubles Over 3,700 dead - equivalent in US: Over 3,700 dead - equivalent in US:

600,000 - Britain 150,000600,000 - Britain 150,000

Over 30,000 injured (1 in 50) - equivalent Over 30,000 injured (1 in 50) - equivalent in US: 5,000,000, Britain 1,000,000+in US: 5,000,000, Britain 1,000,000+

Aged under 5: 23, Aged 6-11: 24, Aged 12-Aged under 5: 23, Aged 6-11: 24, Aged 12-17: 210, Aged 18-23: 89817: 210, Aged 18-23: 898

37% under 24, 53% under 29 and 74% under the age of 39

Who Killed and Was Killed?Who Killed and Was Killed? 91% were men Civilians (no affiliation to the security

forces/paramilitaries) - 53%. 48% of the dead killed in North and

West Belfast, Derry and South Armagh. Republican groups killed almost 59% of

the total Loyalist groups killed almost 28% Police/British Army killed just over 11%

Personal Background - Personal Background - 19811981

Came to work in NI for BBC as a Came to work in NI for BBC as a young, inexperienced journalistyoung, inexperienced journalist

Intended to stay six months-a yearIntended to stay six months-a year Believed British justice was beyond Believed British justice was beyond

reproachreproach Believed the police could, almost Believed the police could, almost

invariably, be trustedinvariably, be trusted First experience of (knowingly) being First experience of (knowingly) being

lied-to was a year later, in November lied-to was a year later, in November 19821982

11 November 198211 November 1982

Gervaise McKerr, Eugene Toman, Sean BurnsGervaise McKerr, Eugene Toman, Sean Burns RUC said their car had broken through a roadblockRUC said their car had broken through a roadblock Officers had opened fire in fear of their livesOfficers had opened fire in fear of their lives Over a hundred shots fired – all three killedOver a hundred shots fired – all three killed

My Small and Ignoble Part in their My Small and Ignoble Part in their StoryStory

First solo overnight duty on BBC First solo overnight duty on BBC Northern Ireland news-deskNorthern Ireland news-desk

Phoned by RUC press officePhoned by RUC press office Told car had broken through a Told car had broken through a

roadblockroadblock Wrote story up for morning radio news Wrote story up for morning radio news

bulletinsbulletins Later read Irish Times reportLater read Irish Times report Local people said no roadblockLocal people said no roadblock I had reported a lieI had reported a lie

Aftermath …Aftermath … Three policemen charged with murderThree policemen charged with murder Acquitted by Lord Justice Gibson, who Acquitted by Lord Justice Gibson, who

said he found them "absolutely said he found them "absolutely blameless“ (June 1984)blameless“ (June 1984)

John Stalker (former Deputy Chief John Stalker (former Deputy Chief Constable, Greater Manchester) Constable, Greater Manchester) integrity, wrongfully, questionedintegrity, wrongfully, questioned

Stalker/Sampson report never Stalker/Sampson report never publishedpublished

Inquest into deaths never opened – 30 Inquest into deaths never opened – 30 years on – London will not disclose years on – London will not disclose Stalker/SampsonStalker/Sampson

A Hard Lesson …A Hard Lesson …““A lie gets halfway around the world before truth A lie gets halfway around the world before truth

gets its pants on”: Winston Churchillgets its pants on”: Winston Churchill

Rosemary Nelson Tribunal found:Rosemary Nelson Tribunal found: RUC officers had legitimised her as a RUC officers had legitimised her as a target by abusing and assaulting her in target by abusing and assaulting her in publicpublic Could not rule out the possibility that Could not rule out the possibility that “ “rogue” members of the security forces rogue” members of the security forces had been involvedhad been involved BUT – British government had report before BUT – British government had report before

others and put story out first others and put story out first That tribunal had “cleared members of the That tribunal had “cleared members of the security forces of collusion” in her murdersecurity forces of collusion” in her murder

Civil Conflicts – Civil Conflicts – Telling/Selling The StoryTelling/Selling The Story

Usually more than two sides to every Usually more than two sides to every conflictconflict

Each side sees media as another arena of Each side sees media as another arena of war and “hearts and minds” are keywar and “hearts and minds” are key

ALL sides prepared to lie, manipulate facts ALL sides prepared to lie, manipulate facts and “spin”and “spin”

Journalists must be waryJournalists must be wary

How do you tell if a politician is lying?How do you tell if a politician is lying?

““Hearts and Minds”Hearts and Minds” 2121stst century conflict has moved from battlefield/’No century conflict has moved from battlefield/’No

Man’s Land’ into villages, homes, streetsMan’s Land’ into villages, homes, streets

Phrase believed based on John Adams, 2nd Phrase believed based on John Adams, 2nd president of the US (in a letter dated 13 February president of the US (in a letter dated 13 February 1818): "The Revolution was in the minds and hearts 1818): "The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people …”.of the people …”.

US US President Lyndon B. Johnson (of the Vietnam President Lyndon B. Johnson (of the Vietnam War): “The ultimate victory will depend on the War): “The ultimate victory will depend on the hearts and minds of the people who actually live hearts and minds of the people who actually live out there.“out there.“

““Hearts and Minds” then became known as Hearts and Minds” then became known as “WHAM” (Win Hearts and Minds): US policy to win “WHAM” (Win Hearts and Minds): US policy to win over the Vietnamese people. over the Vietnamese people.

Journalism Therefore Even Journalism Therefore Even More CentralMore Central

Journalists reporting back to where armies Journalists reporting back to where armies come fromcome from

Can influence whether a war is “popular” Can influence whether a war is “popular” or notor not

Battle over “WMD” prior to invasion of IraqBattle over “WMD” prior to invasion of Iraq Journalism lost that battle?Journalism lost that battle? Lesson: Governments can still control the Lesson: Governments can still control the

news agendanews agenda Governments tell lies – untruths – spin – Governments tell lies – untruths – spin –

just like political parties, companies etcjust like political parties, companies etc

Role of JournalismRole of JournalismTo give the audience an impartial summary of “both To give the audience an impartial summary of “both

sides of the story so they can make their own minds sides of the story so they can make their own minds up”up”

Does this make journalists mere paid technicians? Does this make journalists mere paid technicians?

To listen to both sides, analyse, decide who is good/bad To listen to both sides, analyse, decide who is good/bad or speaking the truth and convey that to the or speaking the truth and convey that to the audience?audience?

A mixture of both?A mixture of both?

If you have 5,000 words of facts and can only use 200 If you have 5,000 words of facts and can only use 200 how do you choose?how do you choose?

Does this “choosing” make the theory of “objective Does this “choosing” make the theory of “objective journalism” a myth?journalism” a myth?

““Alternative” JournalismAlternative” Journalism Non-mainstream – have to searchNon-mainstream – have to search Eg: Robert Fisk/John Pilger (best known)Eg: Robert Fisk/John Pilger (best known)

Nick Davies: “Flat Earth News” ( and Nick Davies: “Flat Earth News” ( and phone hacking/Leveson)phone hacking/Leveson)

Others: Jonathan Cook on Middle-East: Others: Jonathan Cook on Middle-East: “Disappearing Palestine”“Disappearing Palestine”

Mark Curtis: “Unpeople – Britain’s Secret Mark Curtis: “Unpeople – Britain’s Secret Human Rights Abuses” and “Web of Deceit Human Rights Abuses” and “Web of Deceit – Britain’s Real Role in the World”– Britain’s Real Role in the World”

The Internet EffectThe Internet Effect

Internet challenging traditional Internet challenging traditional journalismjournalism

24 rolling news – no time to analyse or 24 rolling news – no time to analyse or write considered pieceswrite considered pieces

Citizen journalism – can be Citizen journalism – can be positive/immediate – prevents positive/immediate – prevents journalists being the only gate-keepers journalists being the only gate-keepers to newsto news

But who moderates? But who moderates? Who are the alternative gate-keepers?Who are the alternative gate-keepers? Not entirely negative …Not entirely negative …

Who Watches the Watchers?Who Watches the Watchers? Media Lens: Media Lens: “N“News and commentary are ‘filtered’ by the ews and commentary are ‘filtered’ by the

media’s profit-orientation, by its dependence on advertisers, media’s profit-orientation, by its dependence on advertisers, parent companies, wealthy owners and official news sources” parent companies, wealthy owners and official news sources”

The Campaign for Press and Broadcasting The Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom: Freedom: ““To challenge the myth that press freedom is best served by current forms of ownership and control, and by 'self-regulation' on the part of the Press Complaints Commission”

Glasgow University Media GroupGlasgow University Media Group

Spinwatch: Spinwatch: ““Monitors the role of public relations and spin … Monitors the role of public relations and spin … promotes greater understanding of the role of PR, propaganda and promotes greater understanding of the role of PR, propaganda and lobbying”lobbying”

Journalists As “Participants”Journalists As “Participants” ““Under Fire” and “The Year of Living Under Fire” and “The Year of Living

Dangerously” …Dangerously” …

Should journalists even vote?Should journalists even vote?

In NI – a long-standing TV presenter during the In NI – a long-standing TV presenter during the Troubles is now leader of the Ulster UnionistsTroubles is now leader of the Ulster Unionists

Another TV journalist is now SDLP Westminster Another TV journalist is now SDLP Westminster candidate for Fermanagh/South Tyronecandidate for Fermanagh/South Tyrone

I am now a “human rights activist” – some I am now a “human rights activist” – some would say I have declared a positionwould say I have declared a position

Change of TackChange of Tack Those are the big issues of the futureThose are the big issues of the future Here are some factors as I have Here are some factors as I have

experienced them in the Northexperienced them in the North Now seen from my new role as a Case Now seen from my new role as a Case

Worker with “The Pat Finucane Worker with “The Pat Finucane Centre”Centre”

Now able to investigate human rights Now able to investigate human rights abusesabuses

Realise now how suspicious both Realise now how suspicious both officialdom and ordinary people are of officialdom and ordinary people are of journalists!journalists!

Covering Violent EventsCovering Violent Events Inevitably means witnessing pain and deathInevitably means witnessing pain and death Intruding into the most personal moments Intruding into the most personal moments

of victims’ livesof victims’ lives Only justification is the public interestOnly justification is the public interest Most journalists ambitious – but should Most journalists ambitious – but should

retain an ethical focusretain an ethical focus Guard against allowing your humanity Guard against allowing your humanity

being compromisedbeing compromised In the end, you’ll still need to be able to live In the end, you’ll still need to be able to live

with yourself …with yourself …

Questions to AskQuestions to Ask Does my story portray victims of violence with Does my story portray victims of violence with

accuracy, insight and sensitivity?accuracy, insight and sensitivity?

Does it inform readers about more than the Does it inform readers about more than the individual story?individual story?

Is it representative of the wider conflict?Is it representative of the wider conflict?

Does it avoid sensationalism and melodrama?Does it avoid sensationalism and melodrama?

Does it portrays victims as more than just tragic Does it portrays victims as more than just tragic or pathetic?or pathetic?

In the NI conflict, this meant getting MORE than In the NI conflict, this meant getting MORE than writing/filming dramatic scenes of riots or the writing/filming dramatic scenes of riots or the aftermath of shootings/bombingsaftermath of shootings/bombings

Interviewing the Recently Interviewing the Recently BereavedBereaved

Standard practice in NIStandard practice in NI Witnesses/bereaved often too shocked Witnesses/bereaved often too shocked

to say “no”to say “no” Difficult for reporters alsoDifficult for reporters also Justified on grounds that death was part Justified on grounds that death was part

of a continuing civil conflictof a continuing civil conflict Better to cover the death than ignore itBetter to cover the death than ignore it Bereaved/witnesses often (usually) Bereaved/witnesses often (usually)

were grateful in retrospect for speakingwere grateful in retrospect for speaking

Should Journalists Ever “Hide” Should Journalists Ever “Hide” StoriesStories

Does the public good ever justify not Does the public good ever justify not reporting news?reporting news?

Admit to this twice:Admit to this twice: 1. Loyalists tipping maggots into the 1. Loyalists tipping maggots into the

deep-freezes at Dunnes Stores, deep-freezes at Dunnes Stores, Portadown, Drumcree 1998Portadown, Drumcree 1998

2. Cross-Community meetings 2. Cross-Community meetings involving lay people and involving lay people and priests/ministers Falls/Shankill early priests/ministers Falls/Shankill early 1990’s1990’s

Protecting SourcesProtecting Sources Should journalists’ sources be legally Should journalists’ sources be legally

protected?protected? Eibhlin Glenholmes 1984Eibhlin Glenholmes 1984

This woman was once “Britain’s Most Wanted”. She was chased through the streets of Dublin by armed Gardai.

She was said to have bombed London. Metropolitan Police sought her extradition.

Nine extradition warrants accused her of murder and other crimes.

Should a journalist who interviewed her be protected from giving evidence?

Journalists: “The Pack Journalists: “The Pack Instinct”Instinct”

Pressure to come up with a storyPressure to come up with a story Example: Holiday Inn, Gibraltar, 1988, Example: Holiday Inn, Gibraltar, 1988,

after the shooting of three unarmed IRA after the shooting of three unarmed IRA membersmembers

Speculation about a fourth gang member Speculation about a fourth gang member who had escapedwho had escaped

Journalists talking, one asked where the Journalists talking, one asked where the theory of the “fourth man” came from?theory of the “fourth man” came from?

““Oh, it's a woman and we are saying it's Oh, it's a woman and we are saying it's Evelyn Glenholmes …we have a nice Evelyn Glenholmes …we have a nice picture of her and she won't sue' " picture of her and she won't sue' "

Amongst her other soubriquets: “Blonde Amongst her other soubriquets: “Blonde Bomber”, “Angel of Death”, “Terror Blonde Bomber”, “Angel of Death”, “Terror Blonde in Jeans” in Jeans”

Eibhlin Glenholmes NowEibhlin Glenholmes Now

Shot and wounded by loyalists in Short Strand, aged 16.“Strong advocate” within republicanism for the Peace Process.

Member of the Northern Ireland Victims’ Forum.“We didn’t go to war. War came to us.”

My Part in Her Story …My Part in Her Story … Invited to come to an interview by man I Invited to come to an interview by man I

knew to be IRAknew to be IRA Taken by car with Irish Times reporter, Taken by car with Irish Times reporter,

Andy PollakAndy Pollak Interviewed her in, we believe, TallaghtInterviewed her in, we believe, Tallaght Interview ran Page 1, Irish TimesInterview ran Page 1, Irish Times Lead “BBC 9 O’Clock News”Lead “BBC 9 O’Clock News” Pressure to co-operate with Scotland YardPressure to co-operate with Scotland Yard Offered any job within BBC if agreed to Offered any job within BBC if agreed to

testifytestify

Patsy Kelly – Murdered July Patsy Kelly – Murdered July 19741974

Anonymous contactAnonymous contact Two anonymous Two anonymous

witnesses – evidence of witnesses – evidence of a named witness to a named witness to murdermurder

Account of UDR and Account of UDR and current MLA current MLA involvementinvolvement

Witness to murder now Witness to murder now deaddead

Refused PSNI demand Refused PSNI demand for namesfor names

Was I correct?Was I correct?

The “Worthy But Dull” The “Worthy But Dull” StoryStory

SF documents:SF documents: ““Scenario For Peace” 1987Scenario For Peace” 1987 ““Towards a Lasting Peace in Ireland” 1992Towards a Lasting Peace in Ireland” 1992 Only three journalists at Dundalk ard fheis Only three journalists at Dundalk ard fheis

for discussions in 1992for discussions in 1992 The press missed the story of growth in The press missed the story of growth in

support for ending the IRA campaignsupport for ending the IRA campaign More interested in covering day-to-day More interested in covering day-to-day

killingskillings Did this prolong the violence?Did this prolong the violence?

Compare to LawyersCompare to Lawyers Lawyers had to decide their relationships

with an emerging civil rights movement Answer ethical questions on taking part

in the courts under emergency/repressive laws

Respond when other lawyers became victims of paramilitary and state inspired violence

Whether to challenge long-held views on what constituted a ‘neutral’ legal system.

Lawyers and JournalistsLawyers and JournalistsWider Responsibilities?Wider Responsibilities?

Are both “neutral professionals”?

Responsibilities restricted to competence?

Or should both lawyers and journalists face, head on, broader social, political

and moral responsibilities in a society in conflict?

What Role Should Journalists Play What Role Should Journalists Play in Civil Conflictin Civil Conflict

Adapted from Kieran McEvoy “What Did Lawyers Do During the War? Neutrality, Conflict and the Culture of Quietism”, Modern Law Review, 2011

Did journalists “do their jobs in very difficult circumstances”? Is doing a competent job enough?

Were public stances beyond their remit? What exactly are our expectations from

journalists in conflicted societies? Should we view journalists simply as apolitical

people who make necessary accommodations to sustain their own status/income?

Is it fair to burden them with more pressing responsibilities?

Human Nature …Human Nature … Do people want to hear distressing news Do people want to hear distressing news

stories from far-flung places?stories from far-flung places?

Especially if they feel they can do little to Especially if they feel they can do little to help?help?

Do they prefer travelogues (Michael Palin Do they prefer travelogues (Michael Palin etc) to complex and difficult questions?etc) to complex and difficult questions?

Are human beings, in short, ostriches?Are human beings, in short, ostriches?

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION Can Irish journalists consider their coverage of the Can Irish journalists consider their coverage of the

North was “a job well done”?North was “a job well done”?

Can the British media do the same?Can the British media do the same?

Do newspapers, television and radio provide a global Do newspapers, television and radio provide a global audience with enough information about current audience with enough information about current conflicts in, for example, Iraq and Afghanistan?conflicts in, for example, Iraq and Afghanistan?

Is it human nature to avoid “distressing” news stories?Is it human nature to avoid “distressing” news stories?

Is it possible to provide responsible, accurate, news Is it possible to provide responsible, accurate, news reporting on foreign conflicts in a commercial context?reporting on foreign conflicts in a commercial context?