Impact of Hierarchy of Influence Model on Reporting from the Conflict Zone: An Assessment of the Journalists' Perceptions

Abstract

This study fills this gap and examines how various level of the hierarchy of influence model corresponds with the journalists' perceptions and which other influence may be powerful in case of conflict reporting. To get insights into the problems faced by the local journalists in conflict reporting and the media's role in reporting on conflict in today's communication environment, a close-ended questionnaire was developed. A total of 358 journalists were selected for the survey in 14 conflict zones identified in the country. The results show that sampled journalists reporting from the conflict zone are not influenced by their personal beliefs and convictions in conflict reporting.Moreover, we conclude that journalists are influenced by colleagues in other media, competing news organizations, and audiences, friends, and family), who have a significant influence on the journalists' performance in conflict reporting.

Legal Strategies for Protecting Journalists in Conflict Zones

“…As noted by Høiby and Ottosen (2017), despite international guidelines and national laws aimed at safeguarding press freedom, journalists in conflict zones frequently report a lack of adequate protection and find themselves vulnerable to both state and non-state actors (Høiby & Ottosen, 2017). This vulnerability is compounded by the hierarchy of influence that shapes media operations within these zones, where power dynamics deeply affect journalistic access and reporting quality (Ali, 2022). Moreover, the legal framework intended to protect journalists is riddled with gaps and inconsistencies.…”