PM Modi interacts with key stakeholders from Electronic Media, Says COVID-19 is lifetime challenge

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : PM Narendra Modi on March 23, 2020, interacted with key stakeholders from Electronic Media Channels through video conference to discuss the emerging challenges in light of the spread of COVID-19. He thanked the media for understanding the gravity of the pandemic threat from day one and appreciated the role played by the channels in spreading awareness. He commended the dedication and commitment of the reporters, camerampersons, and technicians who are working tirelessly in the field and in newsrooms across the country, calling their work as service to the nation. He also praised innovative ideas of some channels like making arrangements for anchoring from home.

Terming COVID-19 a lifetime challenge, the PM said that it needs to be tackled through new and innovative solutions. A long battle lies ahead of us whereby awareness for social distancing has to be spread and information about latest developments and key decisions needs to be communicated swiftly and professionally by the channels through easy to grasp language. He said that the channels have to ensure that people don’t let their guard down and become careless, but also need to counter pessimism and panic through positive communication. It is necessary to keep the doctors and health care workers motivated since they are on the forefront of this fight.

The PM also gave suggestions to the channels to provide  dedicated boom mics to reporters in the field, and take precautions like maintaining a distance of at least one metre while conducting interviews. He also asked the channels to spread scientific reports, involve informed people in their discussions, and counter the spread of misinformation.

The media representative thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership and hard work in tackling the challenge. They assured the Prime Minister of working with him in countering the pandemic. Citing the emotional connect of the Prime Minister with the people, the representatives requested him to address the nation more frequently, and to include positive stories, especially the experiences of those who have recovered from COVID-19, in his address. They said that a dedicated department with doctors available 24*7 can be set up to check on the reporters and also to help combat rumours.

The PM thanked them for the suggestions and  valuable inputs. He requested the channels to spread awareness about digital payment mechanisms to avoid spread of the virus through currency notes. He also asked the channels to counter the spread of superstitions through scientific reportage, according to a PIB release.