When Journalists Speak Peace

Let us not wait for politics to change. Let us be the change. Let journalists speak peace-clearly, boldly, and together.

By Lee Sang-ki | South Korea

Throughout the long and often painful history of India-Pakistan relations, voices have been raised-many in anger, some in sorrow, but too few with the purpose of peace. As a journalist from Korea, a divided nation still living with the consequences of unresolved conflict, I speak not as a distant observer but as someone who deeply understands the price of hostility and the value of dialogue.

My message is clear: journalists must speak peace. This is not a slogan, but a professional and moral imperative that lies in the stories we choose to tell, the voices we highlight, and the tone we set for public discourse.

From Two Generations, One Common Message

Recently, I had the privilege of conversing with two exceptional journalists: Nasir, a seasoned journalist in his 70s from Pakistan, and Gunjeet, a thoughtful and active journalist in her 30s from India. Despite their generational differences and geopolitical contexts, both shared a profound desire to see journalism become a force for peace, not polarization.

Nasir, with over five decades of experience, has witnessed the cycles of tension, propaganda, and conflict between the two nations. “Every time we speak of war,” he said calmly, “we rob young people of their future.” To him, journalism should be a protective shield for the people, not a weapon of provocation. His reflections are not nostalgic-they are a call to responsibility.

Gunjeet, from a younger but well-established generation of journalists, sees an opportunity in transition. “We grew up with distrust,” she said, “but that doesn’t mean we have to pass it on.” For her, the media must act as a bridge-between citizens, between perspectives, and across borders. Her words echo a generation seeking to reshape the narratives they inherited.

Their insights reminded me of Korea’s situation. We, too, have lived with division for more than seventy years-no peace treaty, only a fragile armistice. And yet, despite this, journalists from the North and South have found moments of contact, collaboration, and shared truth. It’s not just governments that negotiate peace; it is often the media that first imagines it.

The Power-and Peril-of the Press

The media can be a builder of peace or a barrier to it. Too often, it has chosen the latter. Sensational headlines dominate. Political talk shows inflame rather than enlighten. Reporters echo nationalist narratives without challenge.

This is not journalism-it is performance. And it endangers the very societies it claims to serve.

As the founding president of the Asia Journalists Association and former president of the Journalists Association of Korea, I have worked with journalists across Asia-including many from India and Pakistan. I have seen firsthand the professionalism, courage, and integrity that exist on both sides. What we now need is collective resolve to use these qualities to serve peace, not partisanship.

A Joint Media Declaration for Peace

I propose that Indian and Pakistani journalists come together-online or in person-to issue a Joint Media Declaration for Peace. This would include commitments to accurate reporting, rejection of inflammatory language, humanizing the “other,” and resisting political pressures that undermine editorial independence.

The Asia Journalists Association stands ready to support such an initiative, bringing in veteran and emerging voices not only from South Asia, but also from countries like Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. These journalists can offer solidarity, share experiences, and help mediate with perspective.

Such a declaration would not be symbolic-it would be strategic. Because peace is built word by word, report by report.

Lessons from the Korean Peninsula

Some argue that India-Pakistan tensions are unique. That may be true. But so is the Korean Peninsula.

Despite the lack of a peace treaty, North and South Korea have made significant symbolic strides through media cooperation-joint coverage of events, shared broadcasts of summits, and even the exchange of editorial perspectives during moments of détente. These may seem modest, but they have changed perceptions.

Korean journalists have evolved from a history of censorship and state control to one of independence and accountability. We have learned-often painfully-that journalism must not serve the state or the market alone, but the people, especially in times of division.

From a Shared Past to a Shared Future

India and Pakistan may not agree on every detail of their past. But they can agree on one thing: their future must not be dictated by it.

It is time for journalism to move from echoing old animosities to amplifying new possibilities. When we report on cross-border tensions, we must also report on peace initiatives, cultural ties, and grassroots connections. When we cover disputes, we must also highlight empathy.

This is not “soft journalism.” It is journalism at its strongest-truthful, courageous, and constructive.

Let Journalism Lead

We live in an era dominated by digital misinformation, shrinking trust, and polarized politics. The responsibility on journalists has never been greater.

Let us not wait for politics to change. Let us be the change. Let journalists like Nasir and Gunjeet-bridging two generations and two nations—lead the way toward a media culture that refuses to reduce its audiences to anger and fear.

Imagine a future where reporters from New Delhi and Islamabad sit side-by-side at a peace conference, not a war front. Imagine collaborative documentaries on shared history. Imagine editorial exchanges, student journalist forums, and open newsroom dialogues across the border.

All of this is possible. But only if we begin-now.

Peace does not begin at the negotiation table. It begins in the newsroom. Let us make journalism a platform not for propaganda, but for understanding.

Let journalists speak peace-clearly, boldly, and together.

Read – War: When the Dust Settles

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Lee Sang-ki, a senior journalist of Republic of Korea, is Publisher of The AsiaN, Founding President, Asia Journalists Association (AJA) and Former President, Journalists Association of Korea (2002–2005)