Media concern: GPU on safety of journalist during Coronavirus coverage

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By BABOUCARR CEESAY

The Gambia Press Union, GPU has raised concerns about the welfare of journalists covering the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia.

The recent ringing of the alarm bell by the country’s main media body followed the death of Zororo Makamba, a 30-year-old Zimbabwean journalist who contracted the virus and also reported to be the first to die from the pandemic in that country.

In a profound written statement signed by Saikou Jammeh, secretary general, the Union told media owners: “Hats off to you and your journalists and other media workers. The GPU is immensely impressed by your professionalism and sacrifice in the fight to defeat the coronavirus pandemic. War is upon humanity. Our nation is not spared. Our people need us more than ever before. We must stand our guard.”

The media welfare guardian recognise that doing so places journalists at great risk of losing our lives.

The union reminded that journalists and media workers are not immune to the coronavirus. Recalling that already, more than a dozen journalists have been infected.

“Earlier this week, one of us, Zororo Makamba, a 30-year-old Zimbabwean journalists died after contracting the infection. He was in fact the first to die from the virus in that country. We mourn his death and offer prayers for those infected to recover,” Mr Jammeh said.

He pointed out that journalists owe it to themselves and their loved ones to stay safe and sound in carrying out their functions as people need them alive and well to report stories, not to be the story.

The press freedom defender stressed that no story is worth the life of a journalist, emphasising the need to equip oneself and with at least the basic safety kits such as masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and the like to clean their equipment such as cameras, tape recorders and microphones after use each time.

He advised that reporters must not also be forced to go to the field if they don’t want to go or if they don’t feel like it.

He called on media houses should endeavour to also monitor the daily well-being of their journalists by checking their temperatures or regularly speaking to them about their health.

“The GPU remains at your service. We’ve developed a media advisory, adapted from some resources materials provided to us by our partners. The advisory provides guidance and guidelines to media houses and journalists, from how to keep safe to how to report stories around the pandemic. We encourage you to share it with your journalists and other media workers and implement it.”

He urged media outlets to consider implementing measures aimed at improving the working conditions of journalists, including providing bonuses and health insurance.

Saikou Jammeh underscored the significance of the full payment media staff and freelance workers are at all times and on time to take care of any unforeseeable matter or risk that may arise as they cover the pandemic.

“It is, primarily, your responsibility as employers to disinfect your premises and put in place adequate safety procedures. Further, you should provide your reporters with policy guidance and adequate information and more importantly, disinfectants and protective gears,” he said.

He also said the times challenge media workers as professionals to up their game, noting that the credibility and integrity of profession has been put on the line by the coronavirus pandemic.

He pointed out the issue of misinformation but quick to mention the adequacy of efforts being questioned and capacity to sink to the bottom of the preparedness being doubted.

He added that the time is never more appropriate to lay claim to our rightful place in society. In this regard, we urge you to put in place improved editorial routines to improve the media coverage of the pandemic.

He elucidated that the information journalist provide or that they do not provide is what is making the greatest difference between who lives and who dies from the virus.

“May I reiterate that the GPU remains at your service. We have, on your behalf, been engaging the government and other partners with a view to improving the environment for journalists and other media workers. We are open to suggestions from you on how to better serve our constituency.”