Because journalists are classified as essential workers during the lockdown, they’re more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 while, ironically, reporting on the virus itself.  

A reporter’s job is very important during this time as they report on news and receive updates from healthcare workers, industry experts, government officials and other essential workers. Without them, the public would be, well, clueless to say the least.

With that in mind, media update’s Nakedi Phala reveals how journalists can report during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

1. Practice good hygiene when reporting in the field 

Considering what a vital job a reporter has, you’ll need to work cautiously in order to protect yourself, and others, by practising good hygiene and using protective gear, since you’ll sometimes be in close proximity to other people. 

Here a few of things you can put into practice when you’re out there reporting: 
  • Keep your distance from the people you’re interviewing. Utilise an adjustable boom microphone to create at least one metre of space between yourself and your subject. 
  • Wear a face mask at all times. You will be speaking quite often, because it’s the nature of your job, which means you need to keep any germs you might have to yourself. 
  • Sanitise your equipment before and after using it. Before leaving the office or newsroom, make sure that all of your equipment — such as tape recorders, mics and video cameras — that might have been exposed to germs is clean. 
  • Avoid using your notepad; remember, you can’t wash or disinfect it. Rather download a notepad or voice recording app on your smartphone to capture all your necessary information. 
  • Don’t forget your permit. Because it’s paper, ask your editor or manager to email you a PDF version in case the hardcopy gets lost or damaged or lost — and always keep your hardcopy in a plastic sleeve or laminate it, which will allow you to disinfect it frequently. 
It’s important you keep your hygiene levels up to par, and with the World Health Organization’s guidelines, you’ll be able to do exactly that.  

2. Remember to always be ethical 

Even with a threatening virus about, it’s important to always be ethical during your reporting. When covering a crisis of this nature, you may find yourself in some situations that are new to you. It’s best to talk to your editor right then and there, or ask for advice from other, more experienced journalists. 

Here are some tips that can help you report ethically during COVID-19: 
  • Although the Coronavirus is a disease that affects all nations, it’s good to maintain the doctor-patient confidentiality when reporting on someone who has COVID-19. 
  • Ask for permission first. If you’re looking to reveal your subject’s identity, and especially if it’s a child, it’s important to request their parent’s or guardian's permission first. 
  • Censor the faces of individuals who refused to have their identity revealed — whether it’s during broadcasting or when posting images under your media house’s social media pages. 
  • Follow rules and regulations when in the field. For example, when reporting from a hospital, there are rules that you should adhere to in order to maintain a mutual relationship with medical practitioners and the hospitals. Remember, profession ethics differ. 
Ethics are an important consideration for a media practitioner, always. And if you find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure of how to proceed, you can visit the South African National Editors Forum for latest updates and guidelines to help you. 

3. Use appropriate language 

COVID-19 is already a global disaster, which is why it’s important to avoid using any exaggerated or scary terms when reporting on the virus. There are other ways to cover crisis and disaster events without blowing things out of proportion. 

Thankfully, we have a few tricks that can help you report on the virus without stirring any panic, while still getting your message across: 
  • When using statistics in your reporting, verify the information. For example, if you find a report from a healthcare facility that reads “200 people have died”, all you have to do is contact the hospital and ask them to verify the information. Out of the 200, how many have died from COVID-19?
  • Countries such as South Africa are sensitive to racial issues, so when reporting, try to avoid racial motifs. Focus on the news only. 
  • Verify your sources before using their information. Some sources have an agenda, and their unreliable information might cost you your credibility. 
  • Educate yourself about the Coronavirus before asking questions about it. This will help you w understand the medical jargon used by healthcare practitioners in relation to the virus. 
The role of journalists during this pandemic is to help clamp-down myths around COVID-19 and report objectively. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments section below. 

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Did you know that there are various ways to practice good ethics? Check out this article on How new technologies are changing ethics in journalism