PIB-UNICEF webinar sensitizes North East media on COVID-19

“Media is doing a commendable job in disseminating info with accuracy & integrity in this crisis situation, PIB-UNICEF
PIB-UNICEF webinar sensitizes North East media on COVID-19

GUWAHATI: "Media is doing a commendable job in disseminating information with accuracy and integrity in this crisis situation," said LR Vishwanath, Director General, North East Zone, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He was addressing the opening session of the Webinar organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati in collaboration with UNICEF for journalists of seven north-eastern States, except Assam, in Guwahati on Wednesday. The first workshop for media representatives from 15 districts of Assam was conducted on April 29, 2020.

"Media should properly spread the information based on accurate facts on COVID-19-related stories," said senior journalist Samudra Gupta Kashyap while addressing the media personnel on ethics in reporting on COVID-19. He further said that they must be sensitive while covering stories during this crisis situation. Media must attribute to the official sources while reporting any news story; and it should not promote any traditional preventive measures suggested by non-official persons, he added.

The webinar conducted by experts from UNICEF and media had sessions on health, child protection, ethical reporting, children's issues for on-ground reporting and safety guidelines. Around 25 journalists participated in the workshop through video conference.

While addressing the media, Dr Madhulika Jonathan, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Assam said, "Media, among other agencies, has a critical responsibility. They play an important role in raising awareness, dispelling myths, exposing misleading information, as well as in promoting kindness, preventing stigma and building confidence among people by reporting in a fair manner and on accurate reports."

Senior Journalist Mrinal Talukdar said that report on human interest and success stories from different parts of the North East region must be given due priority. Positive stories along with photographs must be highlighted as the COVID-19 cases are low in North East in comparison to the rest of the country, he added. He also stressed on the need for psychological support for every journalist, and said that it is as much essential in the field of journalism as in any other field.

Mritunjaya Bose, Bureau Chief of Deccan Herald, Mumbai, informed about the situation in Maharashtra. He appreciated the role of PIB in disseminating information about government initiatives in tackling COVID-19 situation in the country.

During the workshop, a handbook for journalists and safety guidelines were shared. These will be disseminated to all media houses in the north-eastern States, stated a release.

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