The Public Defender issued a series of recommendations aimed at the media and press workers with the purpose of responsibly reporting on the health situation and vaccination campaign against Covid-19.
Through a statement, the body, which emerged from the enactment of the Audiovisual Communication Services Law, he reminded “journalists to verify the news that is broadcast and not to generate panic or mistrust in the population which is highly affected by the difficulties of life in a pandemic. “
In the document Recommendations and Proposals for the journalistic treatment of the pandemic and vaccination, a series of issues to take into account are highlighted:
- Take into account the impact of the information: “The first proposal to journalists is that, when giving information on this issue, they ask themselves what effect it will have on the feelings and reactions of the audiences, and how those closest to them will receive it.”
- Consider, more than ever, to communication as a service: Promote “the dissemination of councils of health authorities, specialized scientific institutions and data on places, numbers and virtual consultation spaces”.
- Be responsible with the data of the health crisis: The Ombudsman’s Office warns that “the dissemination of data or projections that cast doubt on the information of the States has the potential to affect public health campaigns.”
- Cite scientific sources: “Use researchers endorsed by Conicet and medical societies of specific disciplines, since their positions are the result of a consensus and not of individual opinions “; and it considers” desirable that the communicators verify if their sources are related to work or not to the private companies interested in the provision of vaccines and drugs “.
- Maintain certain care in the discrepancy between professionals: “The exposition of opposing opinions recommended by the theory of journalism requires a careful review in this emergency.” In this sense, he points out that “discourses contrary to global knowledge and public health policies adopted by governments of the most diverse tendencies, such as vaccinating the population, are risky for people’s health“.
- On the naming of vaccines: It warns about the existence of an “unprecedented discussion” in the media and in society about the “nationality of vaccines”. For this reason, suggests referring to them “by their official name and not by the country of origin“.
- On the effects of vaccines: Propose “not generate panic or scaremongering about effects that are largely foreseeable, mild and temporary“, considering that” it should not be taken for granted that the health problems that people may have after being vaccinated are due to the vaccine. “
- On the vaccination operation: Invites you to “consult qualified official and scientific sources for the coverage of the immunization operation.”
- Respect for identity and privacy in the vaccination campaign: “The vaccination operation is a matter of public interest and as such journalistic coverage is recommended. However, attending a vaccination center and being inoculated is an act that is in the sphere of the right to privacy.” In addition, it states that it is “the power of each citizen to decide whether to appear in the media in these circumstances.”
- Other recommendations focus on the importance of not generating “panic” or treating information “lightly.” Also, don’t go “scoop hunting” and be careful with social media content.
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