A abordagem da grande imprensa do Brasil sobre a violência militarizada nas favelas do Rio de Janeiro (2016-2018): jornalismo para a paz ou jornalismo para a guerra?

Abstract

The present work analyzes the coverage given by the mainstream Brazilian press to the federal interventions that occurred in the public security of the state of Rio de Janeiro, from 2016 to 2018. Utilizing the theoretical apparatus of Peace Research, as well of Peace Journalism, we unravel fundamental concepts (such as 'positive peace' and 'structural violence') to question whether media coverage is more inclined to Peace Journalism or War Journalism. Although this theoretical framework has been applied mainly to the analysis of the role of the media in covering conflicts between Israel and Palestine, we believe that it is valid to apply to the case of the 'war on drugs'. According to Johan Galtung, observing the structure of media discourse and its news is fundamental to understand the opposition between these two journalistic practices. In addition to seeking news treatment, we also use the comparative method to juxtapose the news with data and information provided by NGOs and IGOs. We also seek to bring out the traditionally marginalized voices in the mainstream press, notably the voices of the favelas and outskirts citizens, whom are the most affected by the federal interventions. Especially, this problem is relevant when we think that the media press is a potential transformative tool of a peace culture and can also plays a role on non-violent transformation of conflicts. However, in the case of Rio, our analysis suggests that the big Brazilian press is away from the methodological guidelines provided by the vast apparatus of Peace Journalism.