Stop playing 'jokes' with coronavirus reportage -NMC to media

The National Media Commission (NMC) has cautioned media personnel who joke with the reportage of coronavirus (COVID-19) to put a stop to it as that could minimise the sense of urgency and possibly leading to complacency in public response.
According to the NMC, since the global outbreak of the corona virus pandemic and the President’s proactive measures to protect Ghana, the media have demonstrated commendable support for the national cause and justified why the Constitution (1992) gave the media a pride of place.
However, it noticed that in the legitimate attempt to reduce public anxiety and provide hope in this moment of disquiet, some media have resorted to making jokes about the disease.
“While humour may have its place in reducing anxieties in moments of national stress, it also carries the risk of minimising the sense of urgency and possibly leading to complacency in public response,” the NMC stated.
The NMC therefore urged the media to rely on official sources for accurate information in disseminating news about coronavirus.
 
Below is a statement:

 
1^ST RANGOON CLOSE                                                         March 19, 2020
GPS GL-060-2379
CANTONMENTS                           
P O Box SD 114,
Stadium, Accra
Tel: +233-302-737514
Email: [email protected]
 
ALL EDITORS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
NMC ADVISORY ON COVERAGE OF CORONA VIRUS ISSUES
Since the global outbreak of the corona virus pandemic and the President’s proactive measures to protect Ghana, the media have demonstrated commendable support for the national cause and justified why the Constitution (1992) gave the media a pride of place.
As we continue to mobilise towards collective success, there’s one area of practice the Commission would like to draw attention to.
In the legitimate attempt to reduce public anxiety and provide hope in this moment of disquiet, some media have resorted to making jokes about the disease
While humour may have its place in reducing anxieties in moments of national stress, it also carries the risk of minimising the sense of urgency and possibly leading to complacency in public response.
The Commission would therefore like to remind the media that in a situation like this, balance still remains our greatest professional virtue. And the best way to achieve that is to rely on the official sources for accurate information.
With God on our side, we know we shall triumph.
 
GEORGE SARPONG
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
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