The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on different media outlets to be responsible in covering news related to the Coronavirus (COVID19), and to avoid stirring unjustifiable panic, which could exacerbate the situation.
The IFJ confirmed its belief that the role of media organizations is to provide citizens with reliable, accurate, and authentic reports and to avoid reports of excitement that can lead to causing panic and fear among citizens.
The federation indicated that in times of disasters or epidemics, adherence to the “Global Declaration on the Ethics of the Profession for Journalists” becomes more important than in any other time, and that the principles stipulated in this declaration are the best remedy against wrong news, or misleading news and conspiracy theories spread on social networks.
IFJ also noted that as stated in the first article of the declaration, “Respecting the truth and the public’s right to know this truth is the primary responsibility of the journalist”.
IFJ also stressed the need for journalists and media organizations to provide reliable scientific facts and sources, avoid suspicions, and the use of vocabulary that stimulates fear and that can create a state of panic that does not reflect reality, and to deal sensitively with the privacy of the injured.
On the other hand, IFJ has called on public authorities and medical institutions to provide transparent information and present it in a timely manner so that journalists can access all information.
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