Edited by Barry James, a Paris-based journalist who has worked for several major newspapers and wire services, the scope of the book goes beyond received ideas about media and conflict resolution and will be of interest to policy makers and donors as well as the media community.

he collection of articles deals both with the role of humanitarian media during crisis periods as well as the crucial role of free and independent media in transitional democracies.

The authors of the articles spare no efforts in describing the complex role of the media in both conflict situations and the difficult paths toward reconstruction. Supporting a free and independent media sector is fundamental for the watchdog function of the media in democratic societies to take root, and the authors of these articles offer uncompromising arguments for both the freedom of expression and the free flow of information—even in danger zones.

While media support efforts often emphasize newer and faster technology as a solution, the authors of the articles hold that supporting journalism as a profession and the media sector as a whole is equally important because of its role in enabling the flow of information in society, a role often taken for granted or left out of reconstruction efforts.

A special plea is made for donors to coordinate efforts in order to avoid overlap and bring assistance to where it is most needed. The book offers a provocative selection of theoretical and practical perspectives about the place of media development in conflict prevention and reconstruction efforts.

The book is published in English. The French translation is under preparation.

Full title :

Media. Conflict Prevention and Reconstruction. – Editor: Barry James . – Paris: UNESCO, 2004 (CI-2004/WS/8)