By Amin Kef Sesay
In a Press Release dated 27 March 2020 the Independent Media Commission (IMC) revealed that it has been monitoring with keen interest local media coverage and reportage on the novel COVID-19 pandemic.
It furthered that while the Commission appreciates the significant roles the print and electronic media are playing in providing public education and increasing public awareness on the outbreak, its impacts and preventive measures; it is urging all media practitioners to continue to abide by international best practices and ethical standards/guideline in health and disaster reporting.
The Commission says it is now calling on all media owners to ensure the protection and welfare of their staff further urging the public to adhere to the correct messages from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).
Chairman of the IMC, George S. Khoryama, said they are therefore calling on all to stop sharing fake, inaccurate or distorted information and rumours about the pandemic, to avoid spreading fear/panic.
