Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that media has played a praiseworthy role in spreading awareness about the coronavirus outbreak as his Government directed the States to ensure operational continuity of print and electronic media.
He said that newspapers carry tremendous credibility and the local page of a region is widely read by people. It is therefore imperative that awareness about coronavirus is spread through articles published in this page. It is essential to inform people about where the testing centres are, who should get tested, whom to contact to get tested and follow home isolation protocols. This information should be shared in newspapers and web portals of the paper, the Prime Minister said.
Terming the media as critical infrastructure, the Centre said the functioning of media is needed in the current situation to deliver information to the public. Earlier, the Prime Minister interacted with over 20 journalists and stakeholders from print media from all over the country via video conferencing.
The PM said media has played a praiseworthy role in disseminating information to every nook and cranny of this nation. This makes the media all the more significant in fighting this challenge and spreading correct information about it at micro level.
He also suggested that information like location of availability of essential items during lockdown can also be shared in the regional pages.
“The Prime Minister asked the media to act as a link between Government and people and provide continuous feedback, at both national and regional level. He underlined the importance of social distancing.
Modi asked media to generate awareness about its importance, inform people about the lockdown decision by States, and also highlight the impact of spread of the virus, through inclusion of international data and case studies about other countries in the papers,” said the PMO in a statement.
The PM emphasised that it was important to tackle the spread of pessimism, negativity and rumour mongering. Citizens need to be assured that the Government is committed to countering the impact of COVID-19.
“The journalists and stakeholders from print media appreciated the role played by the Prime Minister in communicating effectively and leading the country from the front. They said that they will work on the suggestions of the Prime Minister to publish inspiring and positive stories. They also thanked him for reinforcing the credibility of print media and noted that the entire nation has followed his message of coming together to face this grave challenge,” said the PMO.