Media And Conflict

The course introduces the students to the world of media and conflict. It makes a linkage between media and conflict theories. As an instrument of cohesion and discord the media ought to be carefully handled. Many conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa are fuelled by the media. The relevance of the Four theories of the press are discussed. The course shows a shift in paradigm from public diplomacy to media diplomacy as well as media-broker diplomacy. The question of democratization in Africa is inconclusive without the role of the media. The core-periphery structure of international media determines the global north’s foreign policy towards Africa. Community- based radio broadcasting as tool for effective track III peace building methodology and conflict transformation strategy in Africa.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course unit, students should be able to:

• Identify and discuss the linkages between media and conflict theories
• explain media and conflict trends in Africa
• Discuss how and why  media editorial policies in Africa have been hijacked by the political class