Abstract

Against the somewhat challenging background of a journalist being objective and at the same time socially responsible in conflict reporting, this paper explores whether adherence to social responsibility canons in journalism is antipodal to objective reporting.  The paper takes a look at what constitutes objective reporting and the dynamics of conflict reporting juxtaposed with the ethical requirement of social responsibility on the part of the journalist who wants to be a detached reporter of events but at the same time tries to be a part of the solution to the problem. The question is: to what extent can a journalist maintain neutrality and complete detachment in reporting? Using explanatory approach, the paper argues that though objectivity and social responsibility may appear to be singing discordant tunes on a face value, they are actually two sides of a coin. Therefore, a journalist must be socially responsible to achieve the goal of objectivity. The paper concludes that the nexus between the two concepts is found in peace journalism practice, which though still highly contested in some quarters, presents a promising outlook for conflict reporting in the years ahead.

Key Words: Objectivity, Social Responsibility, Conflict Reporting, Journalism, Peace Journalism

^JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 7, No. 2, October 2015, 181 – 197 

©Delmas Communications Ltd.

About the authors

*Dr. Thomas Anomoaphe Alemoh Ph.D. is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

**Mrs Lucy Ishima is a Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State

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