PM Modi talks to media heads; Will media at least now counter pessimism and panic amid #corona?

News Bharati    23-Mar-2020 17:45:12 PM
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New Delhi, March 23: "Media should counter pessimism and panic through positive communications", said PM Narendra Modi while praising the media for their role in spreading awareness about the novel coronavirus since the day it has arrived in India. PM Narendra Modi on Monday discussed with the several electronic media persons through video conference, the increasing challenges of the virus in the country.
 
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PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the media for understanding the seriousness of the virus since the day one it has arrived in India and appreciated the role played by the channels in spreading awareness. He further lauded "the dedication and commitment of the reporters, camerapersons, and technicians who are working tirelessly in the field and in newsrooms across the country, calling their work as service to the nation. He also praised innovative ideas of some channels like making arrangements for anchoring from home."
 
 

PM Modi calling the virus as a "lifetime challenge" said that new and innovative solutions are the key to contain the virus. He emphasized more upon the significance of discipline from citizens and maintaining social distancing to counter the spread of the virus. "A long battle lies ahead of us whereby awareness for social distancing has to be spread and information about latest developments and key decisions needs to be communicated swiftly and professionally by the channels through easy to grasp language."
 
However, later on, he said media being vital means of feedback and the government constantly acting on this feedback, he urged them to make sure that the public is fully aware of the virus through their news rather than creating panic among them. "The channels, on the one hand, have to ensure that people don’t let their guard down and become careless, but also need to counter pessimism and panic through positive communication. It is necessary to keep the doctors and health care workers motivated since they are at the forefront of this fight, " he said. He requested alert people with scientific reports and involve medical professionals in their discussions in order to counter the spread of misinformation.

He also suggested the channels to provide dedicated boom mics to reporters in the field and take precautions of maintaining a distance of at least one meter while conducting interviews. He also asked the channels to spread awareness about "digital payment mechanisms to avoid the spread of the virus through currency notes."

On the other hand, the media representative thanked PM Modi for his leadership and hard work in tackling the challenge. They assured the Prime Minister of working with him in countering the pandemic. Citing the emotional connection of the Prime Minister with the people, the representatives requested him to address the nation more frequently and to include positive stories, especially the experiences of those who have recovered from COVID-19, in his address. They said that a dedicated department with doctors available 24*7 can be set up to check on the reporters and also to help combat rumors. It was also suggested that Prasar Bharati can give out authentic information twice a day, which can be used by other TV channels.

While the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, thanked the beat journalist of the Health Ministry for sharing information proactively, she presented an overview of the graded response system of the Government to counter the spread of COVID-19 and continuous efforts of capacity building to meet challenges. Director-General of Indian Council of Medical Research said that testing strategy has followed a graded response, and approval for testing kits has been expedited. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar along with other senior representatives and editors from prominent electronic media organizations participated in the interaction.