By Louvier Kindo Tombe.
Journalists are not only fighting the Corona Virus epidermic, but are more challenged with the fight against the “infodemic”.
The present outbreak has become the biggest story in the world now, but it is still difficult to determine with exactitude the future and consequences of the infection.
With these uncertainties, journalists are faced with challenges like misinformation, risks of being infected in the line of duty and fear of fueling panic in communities.
The present outbreak has become the biggest story in the
world now, but it is still difficult to determine with exactitude the future
and consequences of the infection.
With these uncertainties, journalists are faced with
challenges like misinformation, risks of being infected in the line of duty and
fear
IS RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ENOUGH?
The simple answer is NO, because other factors need to be
considered when Reporting broad based stories and pandemics like COVID-19.
Before we even get to examine the tips of responsible
reporting, let us revisit what has and is been done in some communities like
Cameroon by reporters in the fight against Corona Virus.
In most online, print and audiovisual media organs, it is
common to see or hear frightening languages like “killer disease”, “deadly
virus” used by reporters, most at times ignorantly.
According to media experts like Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury of the
Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), the following tips are
necessary for responsible reporting:
1.) Reduce the use of adjectives in Reporting because you
can easily plant your personal impression which could not be general in the
minds of your audience.
2.) Use pictures carefully in order to avoid spreading the
wrong message out.
3.) Lay emphasis on preventive actions because it can make
your story less scary.
Always remember that statistical analysis are often less
scary than anecdotal stories.
4.) Distinguish clearly from what is known to be true, and
what is thought to be true.
5.) Find the facts and not the speeches.
During periods like these, what is happening on the field is
sometimes different from what the powers that be are Indicating in their
speeches.
Another example in Cameroon was the death of a patient
recently at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala which sparked a controversy as
to whether he died of COVID-19 or not. Different reporters reported differently
on the incident. Some went for the facts while others opted for the speeches
and the latter were later proven wrong.
The fifth example above takes us to examine another very
important aspect in reporting about the infection, the need for journalists to
report from the field and not from their offices and at the same time staying
safe.
SAFE REPORTING
Journalists can’t just cover COVID-19 stories from self
quarantine, they need to go out and meet those involved actively and get the
facts straight.
But such outings are dangerous to the reporter’s safety given
that the infection does not differentiate or select its victims.
It is therefore imperative for reporters to always plan each
outing and what happens after each of such outings.
Experts advice is very necessary and here are some gathered
by NewsUpFront.
1.) Reporters should endeavour to use protective gloves,
full face masks, and other medical materials when visiting infected areas like
isolation centers, and medical control units.
2.) Areas like markets especially where fresh meat is sold
should be strongly avoided by reporters, they should equally avoid contacts
with animals dead or alive as well as their environments.
3.) Reporters should be very Vigilant with their working
tools by not placing them just everywhere when in overcrowded or suspected
areas.
DEALING WITH TRAUMA
As journalists struggle to fight the Corona pandemic and
infodemic, dealing with trauma is a challenging factor too because in global
outbreaks, victims may not want to be identified or even to discuss their
conditions.
There are communities where reporters have instead been the
ones questioning why governments are hiding the identities of COVID-19 victims.
The Global Investigative Journalism Network, GIJN does not
buy the idea of revealing patients identity except for very important reasons.
To an extent, it is medical secret.
Even naming quarters where victims live, could cause panic
in the community, according to experts.
Reporting on COVID-19 could be very challenging, but
reporters are always up to the task if they do just what is necessary
accordingly.
Above all they should take care of themselves.
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