1 Photography and New Media in Conflict Reporting CHAPTER ONE Introduction 1.1. Background of the study Since late 1990s, new media has been a means of engaging different groups of people in various activities including conflict reporting. New media has become critical to conflict discourse in contemporary society. On the other hand, the role of photography in conflict reporting gives it an admirable position in adding value to the creation and growth of social media. The revolution in conflict reporting has been intensified by new media industry with the help of digital photography which makes it faster to make pictures available within seconds when needed. The network proliferation associated with social media sets it apart and makes it unique from other forms of media, like the old media especially in terms of coverage and wider reach of audience. Development agencies have shown a great deal of interest recently in using the media as a technique for addressing conflicts. From the media practitioners themselves, one sometimes gets the impression that they believe their activities can have all kinds of beneficial impacts almost anywhere if only they could be expanded through more resources. But in the enthusiasm to apply this form of influence to conflicts, questions concerning whether and how the various forms of media can be most effective, and in what contexts, have not been examined in any systematic way (Berne, 2002). In many violent conflicts of the past, the media in general have executed a destructive role and apparently contributed to hatred and inciting violence (Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia, etc). As a consequence, the media development has gained major attention in conflict situations, particularly its potential for playing a much more constructive role. Therefore, in international efforts to prevent violent conflicts and stress peacebuilding, the media are seen as an important tool in contributing to achieve these goals (KOFF, 2002). Unlike the old media, new media creates interactive platforms between users and followers in different parts of the world who do not necessarily need to know each other or meet face to face. One salient feature of new media is that it allows people to create