Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction and Overview -- Characterizing Conflict, Defining the Media -- Media, Conflict, and Democratization -- Media Ethics, Professionalism, Codes, and Accountability -- Listening for Peace: Towards Alternative Ethics of Engagement -- Conclusion.

"This book discusses the relationship between media, conflict and democratisation in Africa from the perspective of media ethics. Despite the commonly held view that conflict is a destructive political force that can destabilize democracies, the argument in this book is that while many conflicts can become violent and destructive, they can also be managed in a way that can render them productive and communicative to democracy. Drawing on theoretical insights from the fields of journalism studies, political studies and cultural studies, the book discusses the ethics of conflict coverage and proposes a normative model for covering conflict and democratisation. The book argues for an 'ethics of listening' which would enable the media to de-escalate violent conflict and contribute to the deepening of an agonistic democratic culture in contexts of high inequality, ethnic and racial polarisation and uneven access to media. This argument is illustrated by examples drawn from recent events in African democracies such as student protests, community activism, struggles for resources and social media conflicts. The book also scrutinizes the media's ethical roles and responsibilities in African societies by considering questions regarding journalistic professionalism, ethical codes and regulation in the context of rising misinformation. Provides a critical African perspective on global debates about media, politics, and democracy and the media's ethical commitments in contexts of conflict"--