ADDIS ABABA –Scholars stressed the role of media outlets in supporting government’s effort in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Afework Gebregziabher, Lecturer at Mekelle University, Department of Journalism and Communication told The Ethiopian Herald that, since Ethiopia confirmed the first case of coronavirus, the media’s role is thought to be high in the fight against the pandemic. “They have been doing a great job by giving up their regular schedules and making the issues of coronavirus at the heart of their main agenda.”
He stated that the media continues to play a leading role in creating awareness through timely reporting of both local and international developments related to the spread of coronavirus; broadcasting religious programs that encourage followers to stay indoors.
“However, I think it is good to have an independent institution which evaluates media’s role in fighting the spread of coronavirus.”
According to him, the media institutions have to broadcast detailed information, by inviting health professionals, beyond reporting the day-to-day report of the Ministry of Health.
Media outlets should carry stories on the experience of the people who stayed in quarantine and recovered from the virus as it will help the public to be more cautious and be aware of the virus, he noted.
On his part, Dr. Abdulaziz Dino, Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa University, Journalism and Communication School told this reporter that media institutions are doing well in informing the public to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Many of our media institutions are becoming an alternative source of information, numerical journalism is also being the best way to give information loud and clear, he said
Currently, there is complacence among some people. So, the media need to work more widely to raise awareness, according to him.
“Attention should also be given to come up with entertaining programs as more people could find it boring while staying indoors.”
He said that the information presented in the media should not be too exaggerated or too shallow and they should also expose fake news that terrorizes the public through fact checks, he added.
The Ethiopian Herald May 15/2020
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
