Mass Media, Violence, and Peacebuilding: A Qualitative Study in Mexico

Author(s):

Publication Year:

2017

Type:

journal article

Journal/Book Title

International Journal of Peace Studies

Publisher

Editor(s):

Pages:

Volume:

Issue:

Abstract:

Mexico is consistently ranked as one of the least peaceful countries on Earth, which impacts citizens’ negative perceptions about their government. A study conducted by Meschoulam, Hacker, Carbajal, De Benito, Blumenkron, and Raich (2015), detected significant distrust of the mass media, which is another factor that, according to prior studies (Institute for Economics and Peace [IEP], 2016), may encourage peacelessness. This study sought to broaden the perspective of those investigations through 80 semistructured qualitative interviews with Mexican residents. The interviews explored the factors that caused participants to distance themselves from the media and the aspects that attracted participants to specific media outlets. In addition, this study explored the perceived relationship between the media and the government, and also perceptions regarding the news coverage of violence. The results of this investigation revealed that the interviewees distrusted the media because they perceived that it is controlled by the government. Furthermore, participants reported sentiments such as anger, fear, frustration, and apathy as a result of what they perceived to be an excessive exposition of violence by the traditional media in their news coverage. Most participants preferred to use social media as alternative sources of information. However, many of the interviewees also reported that they distrusted social media. Therefore, the participants stated that they valued journalists who demonstrate objectivity and critical thinking, provoke reflection, question the government, uncover corruption, and promote debate about solutions. If, as prior studies have indicated (IEP, 2016b), corruption and the lack of a free flow of information are correlated with peacelessness, then every effort should be made to better understand how to develop a healthier relationship between the media and society to improve conditions for Mexico’s future.

Permalink:

Citation (Chicago Author-Date):