Background: The role of the media in covering the Liberian civil war was highly contentious: various media institutions reported and documented human rights abuses, with little to no response from the international community; contrarily, media coverage at times intensified local divisions and fueled further conflict. More acutely, the contrasts between local and international reportage were immeasurable. As much as foreign correspondents were perceived to be objective, the criticism of inaccessibility to “real” local issues was raised. Comparatively, local and regional reporters may have claimed access and “truer” knowledge of issues, but the criticism of overt if not force partisanship often compromised the credibility of local coverage.

The conversation at The Carter Center brings together four respected journalists representing Liberian, international and Liberia in the Diaspora. Potential panelists will include an award winning Liberian photojournalist, former Reuters West African correspondent, CNN International producer, and an editor from The Perspective (A Liberian Diaspora news source). The conversation draws upon a study on the role of the media in the Liberian civil war conducted on behalf of the Liberian TRC by the Atlanta based law firm Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan. Research team members will share their findings and questions, Also participating will be Commissioner Massa Washington of the Liberian TRC. Commissioner Massa Washington chairs the TRC subcommittee on media and conflict.

Prior to and after the conversation, the audience is invited to view a sample photographic exhibition: Images of War: A Local Perspective by award winning photojournalist Pewee Flomoku.

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© 2008 by The Perspective
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