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Facing reality: The media, the past and conflict transformation in Northern Ireland

University of Ulster, Jordanstown, UK, wj.rolston{at}ulster.ac.uk

The media can contribute to the reproduction of violent conflict in societies either through direct bias or more silent acquiescence. When wars end, therefore, the question arises as to the media's past role and the possibilities of reconstructing the media in such a way that it contributes to conflict transformation. This article looks at one specific situation, Northern Ireland, where during the violent political conflict over three decades there was a professional and sophisticated broadcasting environment. Broadcasters have been frequently charged with bias in relation to reporting the conflict, but their record in reporting the peaceful transition has been less well researched. The broadcast by the BBC of three programmes in March 2006 presents a timely case study in the ability of the media to come to terms with peace. Collectively titled Facing the Truth, these three programmes brought together victims and perpetrators with a view to eliciting repentance and forgiveness. Characterizing the approach as `reality television', the article concludes that the genre cannot adequately deal with many of the major issues involved in conflict transformation. Moreover, the framing of the programmes was such that the producers created an ideal type victim, but in doing so excluded the voices of other victims and survivors.

Key Words: conflict transformation • Northern Ireland • media • reality television • truth

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