KENYA: “Be Role Models” and “Avoid Misinformation” Amidst Coverage of COVID-19, Catholic Journalists told
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As journalists dare to cover and diffuse information about COVID-19 to educate and update the public about the pandemic, Catholic reporters have been urged to be role models in their reporting and avoid misinformation and speculation.
The request to Catholic journalists was made by the Union of the Catholic African Press (UCAP), an organization that brings together Catholic journalists both in the Church and secular media across Africa and recognized by the Vatican.
“As Catholic journalists, you are expected to be agents of hope and role models at times of despair and hopelessness like this. As COVID-19 spreads, so do the levels of anxiety causing state of helplessness,” UCAP statement signed by the union’s President, George Sunguh stated and added further, “You should therefore remain on the frontline in educating the masses with well researched and informed details of the disease and how to stay safe.”
“Be accurate and report facts; avoid rumours and try not to speculate; there’s a huge amount of misinformation circling through the social media. So be aware of how to spot and debunk such misinformation,” Mr. Sunguh warned in a press statement released Monday, April 6, in reference to distorted information that is disseminated to the public.
The executive Council of UCAP asked all Catholic journalists to act professionally and with courage in their reporting during this pandemic saying, “The Executive Council of the Union of the African Catholic Press (UCAP) calls upon each and every Catholic journalist working for newspapers, broadcast media and new media in every corner of Africa to continue working with courage and to observe humility as the fundamental element of your profession during these trying times caused by the COVID – 19.”
They added, “A number of countries are observing curfew while others implemented a total ‘Shut Down.’ As journalists, it’s our job to get the story. But this should not be at the expense of our health.”
In a statement copied to Fr. Janvier Yameogo of the Dicastery for Communication in the Vatican and Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, the President of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS), the Executive council has appreciated the work being done by Catholic journalist during this period and has encouraged them to continue providing quality information to the people “guided by Christian teachings.”
“We are all aware and appreciate the sacrifice you make while gathering and sharing information in these times of immense uncertainty. We encourage you to soldier on by providing your listeners and readers with truthful and verifiable information.
Such a quality of responsible journalism, guided by Christian teachings, will help your readers and listeners stay informed about the impact of the Coronavirus crisis in your respective countries and communities, as the scourge pushes us over the edge,” the Executive council underscored in their statement.
They reminded the Catholic journalists the power of communication and to know that people rely on them for trustworthy information during this period of pandemic.
“The Power of Information has considerably helped stem the spread of this heinous disease and as professionals in processing information the world depends on you to provide reliable information regarding the Corona Virus,” read an excerpt of the statement.
In support of organizations who have been training their journalists on coverage of this pandemic the executive council of UCAP said, “We thank all the organisations which have been offering training and support to journalists on ‘How to Report on COVID-19’ and encourage them to continue doing the good job.”
“The Executive Council is monitoring the progress in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and will advise on what happens to the Congress which is scheduled for Libreville, Gabon, between 2nd and 9th August this year.”
