Reporting from conflict zones requires sensitivity, historical depth, and cultural awareness. A journalist must always put people before the story.
This quick guide is based on the article Reporting from conflict zones, which we suggest you read before using the checklist below.
- [ ] Avoid using clichés: Do not use tired phrases like ‘Heart of Darkness’ to describe complex places. These terms simplify deep issues and can be offensive or lazy. See: Clichés, journalese, and jargon.
- [ ] Question every source: Be aware that groups, including international charities, have their own aims. Always check their information, especially if they are sharing second-hand stories from witnesses. See: Developing and handling new sources.
- [ ] Apply extreme caution: The truth is very difficult to find in a war zone. If you have not seen something yourself, be very careful when repeating what others tell you.
- [ ] Provide proper context: A local event might look different when you explain the national or global history behind it. Help your audience understand the bigger picture. See: Fact-checking and adding context.
- [ ] Check every fact. Statistics can be misleading. If you see a high death toll figure, make sure you know who calculated it and how they did it before you use it. See: Beyond fact-checking.
- [ ] Stay human in your writing: Stories about violence or abuse involve real people. Do not let the shock of the headline hide the human suffering involved. See: Including the human angle to news.
- [ ] Use precise language: Choose your words with care. For example, ‘genocide’ is a legal term with a specific meaning; do not use it just because many people have died. See: Language and style and Militaristic words used in news.
- [ ] Set your own agenda: Do not let pressure groups tell you when to publish. They often release reports to match political meetings. You should decide when a story is ready. See: Avoiding manipulation
- [ ] Recognise local pressures: Be aware that local journalists in conflict zones often face threats or censorship. Their situation is different from yours, so respect the risks they take. See: Journalism and trauma – why cultural context matters.
- [ ] Study the history: History often repeats itself, but your reporting should not. Look for the untold facts and original stories that go beyond what has already been said. See: The evolution of an original news story.
Summary
Reporting on conflict requires more than just bravery; it requires sensitivity, historical knowledge, and a commitment to accuracy. By following these steps, you ensure that your work respects the victims, avoids harmful stereotypes, and provides the audience with a truthful account of the situation.