Conflict mediation and the news media

There is a plethora of studies about the role that news media plays in conflict escalation, and studies about conflict mediation processes. However, there is comparatively less work that has focused on news media and conflict mediation; and the communication strategies that can be employed by mediators to encourage the media to frame the conflict in a manner that is more conducive to the mediator. Mediators need to learn to use news media more effectively. Drawing on interviews with 15 people with extensive experience, this paper outlines the variables that may affect a mediation process, mentions notable contradictions between the job of a media professional and that of a mediator; recalls some framing considerations; and notes the benefits and risks of some communication strategies.