The media are key in coronavirus battle
A wave of misinformation, or fake news as Donald Trump would call it, has engulfed the fight against the coronavirus.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), describes this overload of lies as an “infodemic”.
To combat fake news, especially in Namibia where levels of literacy and comprehension of media technology are still low, the traditional mainstream media are a key partner in fighting the deadly virus.
In fact, the media in this country have shouldered heavy losses in recent days by remaining operational during the costly lockdown currently implemented in parts of the country.
The media are currently operating at a loss, but they understand the importance of keeping the nation informed and aware of all that is needed to combat the virus.
But even with this massive sacrifice, some state operatives seem to not have an iota of gratitude for the effort Namibian journalists have been making to help the authorities send out their messages during this testing time.
This was best displayed by State House yesterday when it initially only invited four media houses to an important briefing by President Hage Geingob and his officials.
It is during this time, especially, that playing favourites needs to be cast aside. Keeping the nation wholly informed is more critical now.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), describes this overload of lies as an “infodemic”.
To combat fake news, especially in Namibia where levels of literacy and comprehension of media technology are still low, the traditional mainstream media are a key partner in fighting the deadly virus.
In fact, the media in this country have shouldered heavy losses in recent days by remaining operational during the costly lockdown currently implemented in parts of the country.
The media are currently operating at a loss, but they understand the importance of keeping the nation informed and aware of all that is needed to combat the virus.
But even with this massive sacrifice, some state operatives seem to not have an iota of gratitude for the effort Namibian journalists have been making to help the authorities send out their messages during this testing time.
This was best displayed by State House yesterday when it initially only invited four media houses to an important briefing by President Hage Geingob and his officials.
It is during this time, especially, that playing favourites needs to be cast aside. Keeping the nation wholly informed is more critical now.
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Namibian Sun
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