We Need to Talk About Dialogue

(c) Deutsche Welle
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RECOMMENDATIONS

Dialogue approaches have been present in media development for many years. In fact, an internal survey at DW Akademie found that over 80% of long-term projects at our organization featured a dialogue component in some shape or form. But elements of dialogue have been hidden from view within concepts, programs and approaches without much reflection on what they are capable of and what factors lead to their success. This paper has sought to summarize what we know about dialogue in media development and provide guidelines for future endeavors in this domain. The conceptual and empirical groundwork to this paper leads to the following recommendations for three major stakeholders:

For donors and policy makers 
– Increase funding for dialogue approaches: In a world focused on reaction rather than proactive trust-building approaches, dialogue initiatives offer inclusive and constructive alternatives to more traditional media development projects. They deserve to be funded and explored. 
– Adhere to the CPNM model: Ensure that dialogue initiatives include citizens, policy makers, NGOs and media outlets to maximize the relevance, scope and impact of public dialogue interventions. 
– Integrate dialogue where sensible: As shown, dialogue can serve multiple purposes, from peacebuilding to civic mobilization. Consider integration of dialogue components where this makes sense to ensure inclusive and constructive development interventions.

For civil society and media development organizations 
– Explore synergies and common agendas: NGOs should regard the media not merely as an amplifier for their messages but involve them meaningfully in ensuring engagement around issues of public concern.
– Flexibility in choice of dialogue formats: NGOs and media need to strike the right balance between dialogue formats that have proven to work and more innovative channels that may mobilize citizens otherwise not reached in more traditional dialogue settings.
 – Let the community set the agenda: Rather than having the agenda dictated by donors or international partners, choose a community-centered approach that puts the dialogue needs of local citizens first.

For media and journalists 
– Accept your role as facilitators of dialogue: The media have always been platforms for public dialogue, but in recent years journalists have settled for being “neutral observers”. This is a call to reclaim the facilitation role in an age where constructive, inclusive public dialogue is dwindling due to social media. 
– Amplify and engage: Media also have an important role to play when it comes to carrying dialogue beyond the town hall. They need to expand the impact of dialogue and continue engaging with their communities around topics of public concern.