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Prof. Dr. Sevda Alankuş has explained the process of writing the Peace Journalism Handbook and why peace journalism is needed at the meeting of the book that is published by İPS Communication Foundation Publications.
“Longing for peace is not sufficient for peace journalism”
Alankuş speaking at the meeting held with the participation of a large number of academics, journalists, and media trade body representatives has explained the process of writing the book as follows:
“When we started, the word ‘peace’ had become the most respected word even for the most hawkish ones. We knew that just speaking of peace doesn’t contribute to peace. However, as in the case of Irealnd, dialogue process help peace journalism be developed. Therefore, we wanted to contribute to this process”.
Alankuş saying “Loving peace doesn’t mean to practice peace journalism” has emphasized that a serious critical look is needed against mainstream journalism.
Alankuş stating that “The stage we are in now is a stage which speaking of peace is held identical with speaking of terror”, reminded that when they started writing the book, Suruç massacre took place which was followed by the bomb attack in Ankara.
“There can’t be peace journalism without feminist critique”
Alankuş noting the book qualifies to be a handbook with respect to both academic and journalism, said feminist media critique and right-based journalism go parallel with peace journalism so far, never cross each other though not contacting each other, yet it has been drawn attention to these principles with this book.
“This book criticizes against mainstream journalism from feminist perspective. Peace journalism can be achieved with feminist epistemology.
“There is also right-based journalism approach in Peace Journalism Handbook. They are compatible with each other though there is a tension between them. We say that the peace journalism has to be built on a positive and just definition of peace, and only if you define peace in that way, it can meet with right-based journalism by extending the definition of peace journalism”.
Good journalism or peace journalism?
Alankuş touching on the discussion between good journalism and peace journalism spoke as follows:
“Sometimes it is asked why peace journalism is needed if there is good journalism. When we look at Turkey, I see good journalism is not achieved. Peace journalism looks more luxury when there is even no good journalism being done.
“Nevertheless, even doing that good journalism that we miss doesn’t make us peace journalists. Good journalism has to be looked at with a new understanding, peace journalism perspective, fair peace perspective and that has to be turned into a practice which should be carried out not only at times of conflict but all the time”.
Sevda Alankuş |
She graduated from Ankara University, Faculty of Political Science in 1980. She completed her MA and PHD degrees in the area of Political Science and Public Administration at the same university. She continued her academic studies at Leeds University in the years between 1988-89. She worked as academic at Ege and Ankara universities in the years between 1982-1999. She obtained the titles of Assoc. Prof. and Professor in the area of Communication Sciences. She worked as dean at Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies in the years between 1999-2008, and İzmir University of Economy, Faculty of Communication in the years between 2008-2013. She is the education advisor for Independent Communication Network (BİA) as of 1998. She undertook editorship of most of 16 books published by IPS Foundation Publishing. Her research areas consist of subjects such as alternative media, peace journalism, feminist media critique |
(EA/BK/TK)
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