Impact of Dabanga Radio News on Otash Displaced People Camp in South Darfur

Abstract

Media is very powerful tool in shaping public opinion. News media plays different roles during the time of the conflict maybe objective or subjective. Radio is earlier communications’ means captured the attention of people. Radio remained as dominating medium and use by people to communicate and get information. Radio recently used as a medium in conflict areas to facilitated communication and interaction with people affected by the conflict, but in recent years’ radio usage raised concerns about its negative role. This paper is based on exploratory study conducted in Otash IDP camp in Nyala, a capital of South Darfur state. Its objective is examining how radio playing a role in segregation of audiences, case study: role of Dabanga radio in Darfur conflict. The study sample included; humanitarian workers, community leaders, displaced people and media experts. One of the most important finding of this study was; this radio lacks conflict resolution approach and using of a sensitive reporting technique, which is resulted increasing of Trauma among displaced people (IDPs). The lack of these two elements in reporting affects peace-building process and reconciliation efforts and trust building among Darfur communities. The reporting approach of this station drove Displaced people IDPs to feel isolation.