In countries where most of the population is illiterate and television is rare, radio is the key means to reach the public with news and information and influence people, positively or negatively. Peace media can reach groups who risk participating in violent conflict and can encourage their participation in change. Hate media can be countered by jamming or otherwise interfering with hate broadcasts. The use of media defines, shapes, and often exacerbates conflict by the choice of stories covered, those omitted, and sources used. At the same time, media can be deliberately used to mitigate or prevent conflict, though medias' conflict resolution potential is largely unacknowledged and under-utilized.
Open communications are important to maintain or reestablish stability and orderly change.
Peace media are conscious attempts to take a role in conflict prevention or mitigation. Implementation Organizers Independent indigenous organizations or foreign governments, NGOs, or multilateral or regional organizations can set up and support peace media efforts. The UN or foreign government military forces can undertake initiatives to jam hate radio or assault hate radio transmitters. Participants Current and prospective journalists, editors, and media owners can participate in peace media endeavors. Implementation staff have included members of foreign media, representatives of international media associations, and foreign educational institution media departments.