Our understanding of conflict is shaped by the images and information we receive, making far-reaching and penetrating journalism crucially important. Yet in every conflict, from the recent war in Gaza to the protracted conflict in Sri Lanka, all sides seek to use the media as a weapon.

From overt intimidation and violence to censorship justified by reference to national security, are governments winning the battle of controlling the international media? Do recent conflicts demonstrate that governments are becoming increasingly effective in dictating the terms of coverage? Or has the rise of new media and changing journalism practices kept the information flowing from behind the front lines?

As we mark UN World Press Freedom Day, our panel of experts debate the success of governments in controlling coverage of conflict and turbulence.

The debate will cumulate in an audience vote on the motion “Governments at war are winning the battle of controlling the international media".

Tags for this entry: Alan Fisher, Andrew Gilligan, International Media, James Shea, war, World press Freedom Day

2 Comments

Helena O'Neill | April 6, 2009 5:11 PM

Government's? Yes, they should be held accountable but surely this is one case where there is no need for the government to take ownership i.e. no need for a possessive 's' here but rather for greater pluralism - governments!

lito | April 6, 2009 9:30 PM

In the last three years there have been heavy military assaults on Northeast Sri lanka , but as journalists have been barred from the area, the world has only to rely on what the govt or the LTTE say. there is no indepedent reporting. Today there are pictures of nearly a hundred killed and the photos show all bodies bluish black and some form of chemical has been fired into the so-called safe-zone. No independent reporters!!