media and conflict in myanmar: opportunities for media to advance peace 3. Participatory Radio-Television Talk Show “Local Issues, National Debate.” Interviewees emphasized the deep mistrust between citizens and the government, which still manifests itself in an us-versus-them mentality at the local and national levels. With state administrations run by officials appointed by the national government, Bamar and other ethnic communities struggle to have their voices heard. A political talk show radio program that highlights local issues, based on audience input, that are also relevant at the national level, such as natural resource allocation and corruption, and would involve moderated audience participation and interaction with a varied slate of guests from differing ethnic backgrounds and government branches. The radio program could also be adapted for television production and broadcast. Technical elements Target audience General population, local and national decision makers Format Weekly radio talk show with moderated listener call-in and live interviews Broadcast component Brief news report on issues of local and national importance Interview of guest or guests by program host Call-in questions to guest or guests from listening audience Discussion of responses to listener comments Outreach components Assistance from listening public in determining program topic and guests Audience call-ins posing questions to the guest Guests from state and national government determining action to respond to identified issue Citizens given a call in number or SMS short code to chart progress of officials in dealing with the problem Successes and failures digitally mapped to enable follow-up activities as well as provide accountability Problem revisited in subsequent episodes to explore lessons learned and share solutions Desired outcomes Knowledge Citizen understanding that they can communicate their needs and demand accountability from officials Citizen confidence that they can express themselves on issues of local and national importance using media Knowledge that the same problems (and potential solutions) affect everyone in the country Government official and elite understanding that their interests are not necessarily threatened by power sharing and transparent governance Attitude Trust among citizens that government can solve problems and deliver services Increased citizen belief that involvement and action can help ensure accountability Trust in the political process as a means of sharing power and resources Behavior Increased citizen demand—often through the media—for accountability from government officials More information sought about how other communities solve problems and resolve conflict New ways pursued to include citizens in governance and in resource allocation USIP.ORG  25