Description:
<jats:p> This study examines the ambitions of proactive crisis communication in the realm of international conflicts. Based on the concept of peace journalism, the authors analyse whether German media coverage on international conflicts complies with normative demands. So far, most studies have investigated the media’s role during the climactic stages of conflicts and have neglected the pre- and post-escalation phases. Therefore, the study distinguishes four specific phases of a conflict. With regard to news value theory, it shows that international conflicts exhibit different news factors in their particular phases; in addition, it illustrates that the propositions of peace journalism, although considered relevant by journalists, are hardly being fulfilled in their day-to-day conflict reporting. Combining content analytical research with semi-structured interviews proves to be fruitful for critically reflecting the demands of proactive crisis communication. </jats:p>