“Journalists Must Be Their First Fact-checkers”

Why is it important for journalists to receive training in reporting Covid-19?
It is absolutely important because all of us are learning as we go. Covid-19 or the Coronavirus pandemic is a health challenge unlike any we have seen in the past. There are many ups and downs, lows and heights, and so much unknown. There are always new developments. Journalists who want to cover the subject properly need skills to cope with the science-related problem, which is evolving very fast. 

What should journalists look out for in covering a medical science subject like Covid-19?
The first thing is to know the disease. The reporter is not going to become a health expert, but they must know the basics of the disease – its origins, causes, symptoms, prevention, treatments (if any)…Also, journalists need to acquaint themselves with the way science works, especially medical science. The reporter cannot count only on journalistic skills and principles because they are contrary to the way science operates. It is only by familiarising themselves with the scientific approach that journalists can cover Covid-19 in way as to remain informative, factual and relevant in their story-telling. 

News on Covid-19 today is shrouded in controversy, rumour, misinformation and disinformation.  What should journalists do in order not to be misled? 
The situation only challenges journalists further. Journalists ought to verify information before use. The massive disinformation and the polluted environment in which Covid-19 is evolving means that journalists have to be doubly conscious of this fact. Journalists must be their first fact-checkers by making sure that nothing is taken for granted. They should also work with colleagues, proven resource people and scientists to crosscheck information. These peo...