CARBONDALE - How media report on conflicts can have an effect on those conflicts perceptions and resolutions, according to a presentation Tuesday by Peter Lemish of the Global Medial Research Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The presentation, hosted by The Southern Illinoisan, was part of 11 Days for Peace, the Carbondale community initiative that began Sept. 11 on the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and will conclude Sept. 21, on International Day of Peace. Peace-related events were planned for each day.

Lemish's presentation, "How to Report on Conflict: The War Journalism/Peace Journalism Debate," showed the stark contrasts between ways in which media report on conflicts, with one approach emphasizing the violence of conflict and the other approach not only reporting on all sides involved in the conflict, but putting it into context, noting the processes of resolution and following the issues long-term.

The thought-provoking presentation led to lively discussion among those in attendance.

"I thought it was fascinating," SIU radio-television faculty member Eileen C. Waldron said. "So often you're reading and watching the reporting on conflicts but not getting the whole picture."

Southern Illinoisan Editor Gary Metro was among the journalists attending the event.

"We're interested in alternative ways of reporting on conflict as well as peace. This was an eye-opener. It presented journalism in a way we don't think of every day," Metro said.